Leading the Fight Against Colorectal Cancer

At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are leading the fight against colorectal cancer. With cutting edge colorectal cancer screening technology, advanced diagnostics and treatment options, and multidisciplinary specialists, we offer patients innovation, expertise and hope in the fight against the disease.

Know the symptoms of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UAE, and a leading cause of cancer deaths. However, it can be preventable, and up to 90% of cases can be successfully treated if detected early.

Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• Blood in your stool or when you go to the bathroom.
• Changes in your bowel movements (such as diarrhea or constipation lasting more than 2 weeks).
• Abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or feeling weak (anemia).

However, colorectal cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages. This is why early detection and screening are crucial.

Colorectal cancer – are you at risk?

The risk factors for colorectal cancer can be divided into two types; non-modifiable factors (things you can’t control) and modifiable risk factors (things you can control).

These include:

Non-modifiable risk factors for colorectal cancer

• Age: Being over 40 years old significantly increases risk.
• Family history: Having a first-degree relative who has had colorectal cancer.
• Genetics: Being a carrier of cancer genes
• Personal history of polyps, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.

Modifiable risk factors for colorectal cancer

• Tobacco use: This includes smoking cigarettes, shisha, and medwakh.
• Obesity: Strongly associated with increased risk, particularly abdominal obesity.
• Low physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle is linked to higher risk.
• Alcohol consumption: An excessive intake is associated with increased risk.
• Diet: A diet high in processed meat and low in natural fiber from fruits/vegetables may increase the risk.

Should I attend colorectal cancer screening?

Routine colorectal cancer screening is recommended for everyone over the age of 40 to prevent colorectal cancer. If you are considered high risk, screening should be more frequent.

If you experience any symptoms of colorectal cancer, you meet the screening criteria, or you think may be at risk, talk to your doctor about scheduling colorectal cancer screening today.

Schedule your colonoscopy today. It could save your life.

Advanced Colorectal Screening, Improved Accuracy

Innovative screening technology has improved the precision and effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening. This means cancer is more likely to be detected early. Our Colorectal Cancer Screening Program offers the most comprehensive range of advanced endoscopic imaging techniques in the UAE, supporting more accurate diagnosis and prevention through the detection of precancerous polyps.

We also offer the UAE’s largest artificial intelligence (AI) colonoscopy center, a state-of-the-art tool that aids doctors by analyzing endoscopic imagery to identify subtle abnormalities that might go unnoticed by the human eye. This improves the quality of the colonoscopy and reduce the number of missed polyps.

With AI-enabled technology in all of our endoscopy suites, we are improving patient outcomes by enabling earlier, more accurate detection of colorectal cancer and better prevention of the disease. Learn more about AI and endoscopy here.

Our Female Endoscopy Team

Many women may feel hesitant to come forward for colorectal cancer screening due to fear or embarrassment. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we understand these concerns and aim to provide a comfortable and supportive experience.

We offer an Endoscopy Team ‘For Women, By Women’, led by a female gastroenterologist and supported by an all-female team of nurses, physicians, and support staff. This ensures compassionate care in a culturally sensitive environment.

Our ‘Pink Day’ is specially reserved for female patients, where they are scheduled exclusively with our female endoscopy team. From the moment they arrive, female patients will be guided by an all-female team of experts throughout the entire process, from registration through to recovery.