Hollywood actress Kirstie Alley’s death at the age of 71 from colon cancer made headlines, not only because she was famous, but also because of the speed at which she died following her diagnosis.
Many cancers, such as colorectal or colon cancer, can be treated successfully with early detection. However, the symptoms of this particular kind of cancer can be subtle and easily missed if you’re not keeping an eye out for them.
“Colon cancer often does not have any symptoms and so can be detected quite late,” says Dr Ruhil Badiani, family physician at Cornerstone Clinic. “Screening tests can detect cancer before the symptoms develop and it is recommended that those with average risk start screening from the age of 45. Personal and family history is also important and some may be recommended to start screening at an earlier age.”
What are the early signs of colon cancer?
According to the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi: “In the UAE, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among males and the third most common cancer in females.”
It adds: “As it often has no symptoms early on, colorectal cancer screening is vital. It can help detect cancer in its earliest stages, or even before it develops.”
While symptoms can differ from person to person, experts agree there are some common signs to look out for. A change in bowel habits as well as diarrhoea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way are symptoms to look out for. Blood in the stool should be checked out immediately, along with unexplained abdominal pain, aches or cramps and weight loss.
“Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common,” says the American Cancer Society. “Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps.”
How does colon cancer develop?
While not all polyps are cancerous, the two most likely to develop into the disease are adenomatous polyps (adenomas), sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA).
“Colon cancer can occur in anyone and there is no single cause of it,” says Dr Badiani. “Nearly all colon cancer starts as non-cancerous (benign) polyps which slowly develop into cancer.”
She adds: “When the cancer cells have been examined under the microscope, they assign a grade to it based on how abnormal the cells look. The more abnormal, the higher the number, the faster the cancer grows and spreads. How quickly it has spread is very much dependent on the grade of the cancer.”
How does lifestyle affect the risk of colon cancer? As with many other illnesses, genetics aside, lifestyle has a major effect on how likely it is that someone will develop colon cancer.
Age plays a factor, with those over the age of 45 at greater risk. Alcohol and tobacco also play a role, as does a diet which is heavy in processed foods and red meats.
“Lifestyle factors play a very large part in developing colon cancer,” says Dr Badiani. “Obesity, smoking, and a poor diet are common throughout the world and worsening. Westernised diets which are low in fibre and high in fat are becoming more popular throughout the world. The population is also ageing. This all leads to colon cancer being one of the most common cancers in men and women.” A family history of colon cancer, as well as existing inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis can also influence the likelihood of cancer developing.
How to lower the risk of colon cancer
Diet and lifestyle are the two biggest factors in reducing the risk of colon cancer
“Maintain a healthy weight,” says Dr Badiani. “If you are at a healthy weight, work to maintain your weight by combining a healthy diet with daily exercise. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These contain vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention.”
Along with a healthy lifestyle, regular screening is a must to maintain colon and bowel health and is the most effective way to catch colon cancer early.
Dr Badiani adds: “Lifestyle changes are the most important risk factor that we can reverse.”
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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Mina Cup winners
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Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
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Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
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- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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4.30pm Jebel Jais – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (Turf) 1,000m
5pm: Jabel Faya – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (T) 1,000m
5.30pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m
6pm: The President’s Cup Prep – Conditions (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club – Prestige (PA) Dh125,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m
7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m
Oppenheimer
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Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
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Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Places to go for free coffee
- Cherish Cafe Dubai, Dubai Investment Park, are giving away free coffees all day.
- La Terrace, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, are serving their first 50 guests one coffee and four bite-sized cakes
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- Orange Wheels welcome parents are to sit, relax and enjoy goodies at ‘Café O’ along with a free coffee
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MATCH INFO
Fixture: Ukraine v Portugal, Monday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
The view from The National
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Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
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10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
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