MEDICAL-CANCER | Colon cancer: Signs, LA Tenorio’s diagnosis, disease also affected Chadwick Boseman, Cory Aquino
The US’ National Cancer Institute’s illustration of the colon. /National Cancer Institute/File
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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine sporting community, and the country as a whole, is still processing the announcement by basketball legend LA Tenorio that he has been diagnosed with colon cancer.
The Barangay Ginebra star dubbed PBA’s “Iron Man” for playing the most games in the league revealed he was diagnosed with the disease at its third stage, but had already done surgery and will undergo treatment for the next few months.
The sporting world will remember that the Brazilian Pele, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, passed away last December 2022 because of colon cancer — the same disease that “Black Panther” actor Chadwick Boseman had a private battle before his untimely death in August 2020.
Closer to home, the late president Corazon “Cory” Aquino suffered from colon cancer for a year before passing away in 2009 from cardiac arrest.
With a growing attention toward the disease, here’s a quick explainer about colon cancer and its symptoms, risks, and the necessary screening to detect it.
Memento Maxima Digital MarketingBasic background
Colon cancer, the more common name of colorectal cancer, is a disease that occurs in the colon or rectum wherein either of the two grow abnormally large.
Both body parts belong to the digestive system; the colon is the large intestine/bowel and the rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.
The Mayo Clinic says the abnormal growth of benign cells clumps are called polyps, and these polyps are what can become colon cancer — that is unless they are screened ahead of time and removed early.
Causes, signs, symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors aren’t certain how most colon cancers are caused but they generally begin from the mutation of healthy cells in the colon and the accumulation of these cells form a cancerous tumor.
Related: LA Tenorio, PBA’s ‘Iron Man’, says he’s been diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says symptoms of colon cancer include:
- a change in bowel habits
- blood in or on one’s bowel movement
- diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that one’s bowel isn’t completely empty
- abdominal pain, aches, or constant cramps
- unexplainable weight loss, weakness, fatigue
The Mayo Clinic adds that many people with colon cancer don’t experience the above symptoms during the disease’s early stages, and when they do it depends on the size and location of the cancer.
Risks
Both the CDC and the Mayo Clinic say the risks of getting colon cancer increases with age, although it could occur anytime, and from the following health and lifestyle risk factors:
- family history of colon cancer or colorectal polyps
- inflammatory bowel disease (ex. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- lack of physical activity
- low-fiber but high-fat diet (high in processed meats) and lacking fruits and vegetables in one’s diet
- obesity
- alcohol and tobacco use
The Mayo Clinic further notes that African-Americans have a greater risk than other races, the disease can occur from abdomen-directed radiation therapy to treat previous cancers, and there is an increasing rate of the disease occurring in people below 50 years old (majority are often older than that).
Screening and prevention
It is highly suggested to get regular screenings for colon cancer once one is 45 years old so that doctors can see in advance if polyps are forming; individuals with disease history in the family may need to have routine checks even earlier.
Lifestyle changes can also decrease the risk of colon cancer like less fat and more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in one’s diet, regular exercise, keeping a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol and smoking.
For individuals with higher risks of colon cancer, there are medications available that reduce the risk of precancerous polyps; more evidence is needed for the effects of other existing medications, which is why discussions with one’s doctor remains the best option.
RELATED: Colorectal cancer now Philippines’ number 1 cancer
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Tenorio lumalaban sa stage 3 colon cancer
MANILA, Philippines — Ito na siguro ang pina-kamabigat na laban na hinaharap ngayon ni Barangay Ginebra veteran point guard LA Tenorio.
Sa isang official statement kahapon ay inamin ni Tenorio na mayroon siyang stage three colon cancer at sumailalim sa isang surgery noong nakaraang linggo.
“The initial testing three weeks ago led me to instantly miss practices and games. I have completed my surgery last week and will soon undergo treatment for the next few months,” sabi ng 38-anyos na tubong Nasugbu, Batangas.
Kinilala si Tenorio bilang PBA ‘Ironman’ dahil sa kanyang record na 744 sunod na paglalaro simula nang kunin ng San Miguel bilang No. 4 overall pick noong 2006 Rookie Draft.
Hindi na niya ito naituloy noong Marso 1 nang mawala sa hardcourt sa pagharap ng Ginebra sa Meralco.
“I have given not only 17 full years to the PBA, but have dedicated my whole life to basketball. I have committed my body and health for the love of the game. It has been my passion and love,” ani Tenorio.
“Sadly, there are things beyond one’s control.”
Kumpiyansa ang eight-time PBA champion na makakarekober siya at muling makakapaglaro.
“But with my FAITH, I am lifting everything to God now and I believe there is a higher purpose as I go through this part of my life. I am not yet retiring from the game I love, and with the help of the best doctors in the Philippines and Singapore, I BELIEVE i can touch a basketball once more and return stronger,” ani Tenorio.
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