First time in UAE, Lab launches state-of-the-art test to detect early colon cancer

 

July 23, 2017; Dubai, UAE:  In order to provide cutting edge technology in healthcare to the UAE residents and for further prevention of colon cancer, Star Metropolis Clinical Laboratories (SMCL) – a part of Arabian Healthcare Group Network – has announced the launch of ‘Colo Alert’, the first DNA-based rapid test to detect early colon cancer in the country. To introduce the German-based test, the Lab has signed an agreement with Just4Me Genetics LLC, a leading company that provides genetic services. Colo Alert, which uses a highly precise molecular-genetic analysis method to detect tumour tissue, increases the rate of colon cancer detection by almost four times, providing a far detailed diagnosis. 

 

Commenting on the launch, Dr Raza Siddiqui, CEO, Arabian Healthcare Group said: “Given the high incidences of colon cancer in the UAE, there is an urgent need for more preventive measures. In this regard, the easy access to screening that Colo Alert offers is a huge leap of progress in the UAE health sector. The technology supplements the established occult blood test (through stool samples) for colon cancer with state-of-the-art gene diagnostics, besides examining the possibility of the cancer at genetic level. The non-invasive procedure with much deeper insight than ever before – around 90 percent – is instrumental in diagnosing the disease at the earliest possible stage, which often leads to complete cure. This is also one of the reasons why doctors insist on regular screening, particularly for people over the age of 50”.

 

Colorectal or colon cancer is the second-most common cancer in the world, and second biggest cause of cancer-related deaths in the UAE. The cancer is more prevalent in developed world and as per American Cancer Society, it is expected to cause about 50,260 deaths during 2017 in the US alone. According to World Health Organisation global statistics, 774,000 people died from the disease in 2015. However, if detected at an early stage, chances of survival can be as high as 90 percent, which can otherwise reduce to 10 percent if the cancer spreads to other organs or tissues. Symptoms of the cancer include long-term changes in bowel habits – such as diarrhoea or constipation – blood during a bowel movement, black, tar-like stool, persistent abdominal discomfort – like cramps, gas or pain – weakness and fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. 

 

Doctors have also found a relationship between low fibre-high fat diet and colon cancer. Other causes that can put people at risk is family history of the cancer, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and heavy use of alcohol. 

 

Bruno Rosset, Founder and CEO of Just4Me Genetics, added: “This partnership brings us closer to our vision of bringing genetic testing to the mainstream medical practice at an affordable price. The launch of Colo Alert test is also one step closer to the UAE’s aim to reduce cancer by 18 percent by 2021, and by introducing this test in the UAE, people will stand a far better chance of avoiding colorectal cancer. We have full confidence in Star Metropolis which stands among the prominent clinical labs in the UAE for their cutting edge technology and high professional standards”. 

 

A strong pillar of UAE healthcare sector, the Arabian Healthcare Group is working tirelessly to bring the latest technology in the country. The Group is a one-stop-shop for the complete healthcare advisory and consulting requirements and specialises in providing the most innovatively conceptualized administration and management in the world-class hospitals that it develops.