Blood traces in stool could be cancer not piles – Doctor

Dr Joseph Yorke, a surgeon at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has advised the public to report traces of blood in their stools early to health facilities as it could be a symptom of cancer of the colon and not piles as perceived by some people.

He explained that colorectal cancer development or cancer of the large intestine could have a symptom of blood in one’s stool and there is the need for people not to hesitate to go to hospital for testing and early treatment.

Dr Yorke, who is also a lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Medical Sciences, was speaking during the maiden annual health week celebration of the Grace Baptist Church at Amakom in Kumasi.

“Lifestyle and health,” was the theme for the talk.

He revealed that cancer of the large intestine (colon cancer) causes unexplained anaemia in a patient and if not treated earlier, the patient could have difficulty easing himself the normal way.

He said in some cases, the faecal passage of colon cancer patients have to be diverted with a tube, before they could ease themselves, thus, making life uncomfortable for them.

Dr Yorke, noted that cancer does not only affect the breast and the cervix as popularly known but also, other parts of the body such as the back, shoulder, brain, bone, elbow, lungs, liver, groin, among other parts, adding that the disease often spread and eats into other parts of the body if not treated early.

He said, any of the cancers come with its own signs as well as symptoms and urged all to report to the hospital whenever they see any unexplainable change in their bodies.

Dr Yorke however, said cancer is not contagious and one could be infected through hereditary, lifestyles such as drinking and smoking and eating habits, saying, it could affect anybody.

Dr Alex Osei-Akoto, Head of Paediatric Unit, KATH, said, urbanization, improved economy, globalization and others had brought about change in people’s lifestyle.

He therefore charged Ghanaians to eat well, by taking more fruits, vegetables, grilled and boiled, baked foods, whole grains, traditional diets and less refined sugars for healthy and longer life. They should also do regular exercise and avoid tobacco, alcohol, junk foods, promiscuity, oily foods and additional salt at table.

Dr Rita Dickson, a Pharmacist, speaking on drug use, called on Ghanaians to desist from taking un-prescribed drugs and follow prescriptions strictly for effective treatment.