The Kingdom witnessed a sharp 135% rise in cases of colorectal cancer in a decade (2001-2011), but Saudi experts have introduced latest techniques to treat patients.

The number of cases was 438 in 2001, but it reached a staggering 1,033 in 2011, Dr Qasim Al-Qasabi, CEO of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, said

He revealed the figures while quoting data released by the Saudi Cancer Registry at a forum on colorectal diseases in Riyadh.

Dr Al-Qasabi said more advanced techniques such as endoscopy and robot surgeries have, however, been introduced to treat patients.

He said the research center has launched a program aimed at studying the genetic traits of colorectal cancer in the Kingdom.

A team of researchers, including doctors and technicians, at the center was able to provide a unique service that prevents the inheritance and transfer of some of diseases from parents to their children. The technique is called Pre- Gestational Diagnosis (PGD), Dr Al-Qasabi said.

Dr. Nagwa Mousa, a medical expert, said genetically-transferred diseases have increased a lot in the past years.

The diseases not only affect the life of the patient, but also his family as they fear contracting the illness, she said.

“However, the new technique will help in enhancing the quality life of the patient as well as his/her family members and prevent the recurrence of the disease in the family,” she added.