RIYADH: An expert has warned Saudis about the growing rates of colorectal cancer cases in the Kingdom among men and women, noting that current rates stand at 12 percent and 9 percent, respectively.

Dr. Ashwaq Al-Olayyan, the head of adult tumor department at the King Abdulaziz Medical City of the National Guard in Riyadh, said that despite the fact that the above ratio is considered low compared to Western societies, it indicates a rise in cases in Saudi society and sends a warning note to the bodies concerned.

Al-Olayyan also warned against the economic and social impact of the disease and stressed the importance of concerted efforts from both government and private institutions to educate individuals about the importance of early detection. He said that the treatment of a cancer patient in the Kingdom costs nearly SR1 million per year, which puts an economic burden on the country that requires the establishment of preventive mechanisms in combating the disease, notably through early detection.

Dr. Nagwa Mousa, a medical expert, said that there should be awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to seek early detection and to educate the public on how to follow healthy diet plans and lifestyles so as to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases.