News

Saudi-International Colorectal Diseases Forum has revealed that patients with colon cancer in Saudi Arabia are increasing at an average rate of 100-200 cases per year.

The above data came to light during the inaugural session of the 3-day "Saudi-International Colorectal Diseases Forum" organized by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh on Sunday, March 25, at the Kingdom Hall of the Four Seasons Hotel being attended by international medical organizations and institutions with an aim to develop advanced plans to control the disease.

Dr. Samar Alhomoud, colorectal surgery consultant at KFSH&RC-Riyadh and chairman of the organizing committee of the Saudi-International Colorectal Diseases Forum, said: "The cases are increasing, and the statistics reveal annual rates of increase from 100 to 200 cases. Statistics have also confirmed 1,347 new cases of colon cancer for men and women within a year."

Dr. Alhomoud called for the need to expedite the establishment of a national program for early screening, "as the program is expected to help secure good results in the prevention of colon diseases since these are one of the diseases that can be prevented before they may develop into malignant tumors.”

She pointed out that efforts would be made to start an early screening program and set out its parameters based on the recommendation of the forum that is being participated by 64 local and international speakers with 50 lectures and sessions spread over 3 days.

Dr. Alhomoud said that work was in progress toward the formation of Saudi Society of Female Surgeons with a view to support women in the field of surgery and enable them to develop, innovate, and excel in their field and help them avail best opportunities of leadership in the professional and academic domains in line with the national vision of strengthening the role of women and their empowerment in the society.

For his part, Dr. Rashed Alrashed Alhmaid, Assistant Chief Executive Officer For Hospital Operations, said in his speech at the opening ceremony in the presence of Dr. Saleh Almofada, Chief Operating Officer, that the department of colorectal surgery at KFSH&RC-Riyadh possessed comprehensive medical facilities to serve patients with colorectal cancer, which is the second most prevalent cancer variant in Saudi Arabia. He elaborated that the facilities included virtual clinics to remotely serve patients to improve and enhance patients’ experience.

Dr. Alhmaid stressed that the Saudi-International Colorectal Diseases Forum is one of the most important scientific events in the region, which is being attended by medical institutions from Britain, France, and the Netherlands, besides regional participation from Egypt and the GCC countries, to exchange expertise and learn about different experiences in the treatment of these diseases.

Dr. Alhmaid pointed out that KFSH&RC-Riyadh provides 460 treatment sessions per year for patients with colon cancer. It is the most advanced medical center providing comprehensive medical services of the highest standards in Saudi. The hospital is committed to providing training through national programs for doctors and specialists in the treatment of colorectal cancer. KFSH&RC-Riyadh also has 14 associate doctors currently working in hospitals in different regions of Saudi Arabia in addition to 7 female specialists of "intestinal anastomosis" having obtained an advanced therapeutic diploma program.

Dr. Samar Alhomoud pointed out that the forum has drawn this year new global partnerships with distinguished hospitals such as prestigious St. Mark's Hospital of Britain. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is also participating for the first time and will be showcasing its latest contributions in the scientific and medical filed. She said that the highlight of the forum this year will be that the IARC will declare the results of the efforts made for the prevention and early screening of colorectal cancer.