Experts say colorectal cancer can be prevented through healthy lifestyle

The Chairman of the Indonesian Gastroenterology Association (PB PGI), Prof. Ari Fahrial Syam, MD, MMB, PhD, FACP, FACG, stated that colorectal cancer can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular consumption of vegetables and fruits. “This is a preventable disease. Adopt a healthy lifestyle: reduce meat intake, eat more vegetables, drink plenty of water, and stay active,” Prof. Ari said at a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday. He also advised the public to manage stress, prevent and address obesity, and avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. He stressed the importance of screening for early detection of colorectal cancer, as early-stage cases can be treated effectively with appropriate interventions. “This means that Taiwan’s quality of life has improved due to earlier detection of advanced cases,” he explained. Advanced-stage colorectal cancer symptoms include bloody stools, weight loss, and chronic diarrhoea. At the same event, the Head of the Human Cancer Research Centre (HCRC) at the Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Prof. Murdani Abdullah, MD, PhD, FACG, FASGE, said that colorectal cancer screening is more beneficial than not screening. This is not only related to treatment costs but also reduces productivity and lowers cancer-related deaths. “If detected early, treatment is less intensive. It may only require surgery, without chemotherapy or radiation. Supportive medications are also reduced,” he said. Nadia said colorectal cancer screening can be accessed by the public through the government’s Cek Kesehatan Gratis (CKG) programme. She reiterated a call for Indonesians to increase consumption of local fruits and vegetables to meet daily fibre needs and prevent this cancer.