20000214

Colorectal cancer major cause of rise in deaths

Recorder Report

Lahore: Colorectal cancer is one of the commonest cancers and a major cause of death in Pakistan, which has increased in the last two decades in both men and women.

This was observed by Dr. Tariq Pervez, Head, Radiotherapy Oncology Department, Services Hospital, while addressing a symposium on 'Curcumin, Turmeric and Colorectal Cancer' at the office of Pakistan Society for Cancer Prevention (PSCP) here on Sunday. Members and executives of PSCP, doctors and general public attended the symposium.

Dr. Tariq Pervez said that curcumin was an important ingredient and agent in turmeric which can inhibit colorectal cancer especially and other cancers generally by many mechanism.

"Curcumin also possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant property. Curcumin increases total white blood cell count and macrophage phagocytic activity, which shows its immuno-stimulatory role, which can be helpful during cancer treatment, when these cells are lowered," he informed the attendants.

All such activities eventually lead to prevention of cancer formation. Studies done in different cancer centres on human and animals have shown all these activities to be proportional to the amount of turmeric used, he stated.

Dr. Tariq Pervez recommended optimal amount of turmeric in all foods, suitable to taste for prevention of all cancers, especially colorectal cancer.