Colorectal cancer (also simply called colon cancer) refers to cancer affecting the colon (large intestine) or the rectum (the passage which connects the colon to the anus). It is among the top five cancers among persons Jamaica. There were 796 new cases of colorectal cancer in Jamaica in 2020. Risk factors include a personal or family history of intestinal polyps, a diet low in fibre, and a diet high in red meat. Colorectal cancer is preventable in some cases; screening and early detection options are available. The screening test commonly used is a stool based test, and colonoscopy (the visualisation of the large intestine using a scope) is used for both screening and diagnosis. Screening for Colorectal cancer usually starts at age 45 years in adults, but for adolescents with a personal or family history of intestinal polyps, screening starts at age 12 years.
The Jamaica Cancer Society is a partner of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that provides select cancer diagnostic and treatment services, raises public awareness around cancer, and provides counselling and support services for cancer patients and their families.
They can be contacted at:
Address: 16 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5,
Jamaica W.I.
Phone: (876) 927-4265/ (876) 927-8152/ (876) 927-3317/ (876) 978-5895/ (876) 927-9275
Fax: (876) 978-1918
Email: jamaica.cancersociety@gmail.com
Website: www.jcs.live
