Sharing their journey: Eirwan and Nor Azri (second and third from left) during the forum held in conjunction with the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Run in Shah Alam. Also onstage are Universiti Putra Malaysia consultant colorectal surgeon Dr Nik Qisti Fathi (left), MSCRS colorectal surgeon Dr Shafhawi Adznan (second from right) and fellow MSCRS colorectal surgeon Dr Mayuha Rusli.
SHAH ALAM: For the past eight years, Eirwan Shaile Elias has diligently undergone annual health screenings, a routine facilitated by his workplace benefits as a 48-year-old bank employee.
Each year, the results were reassuring until his screening in November last year when he received shocking news – suspected internal bleeding.
“I didn’t feel any pain, worked as usual and did light exercise as well. I also don’t smoke. It never occurred to me that I had such a thing,” he said when recalling his experience.
“I even told the doctor that I didn’t have time for further medical procedures as it would require me to stay in for a day.”
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After much persuasion, he finally relented and went for a more thorough check-up in December.
To his disbelief, the results revealed signs of colorectal cancer, despite Eirwan’s lack of discomfort or pain.
Subsequent lab tests confirmed the presence of a tumour in his large intestine.
“I was advised to go for surgery to remove the tumour so it wouldn’t spread to any other areas. I agreed to it.
“Lab results following the operation also revealed I had stage one colorectal cancer,” he said.
Describing the ordeal as physically and emotionally draining, Eirwan was nevertheless grateful for the support of his loved ones.
“I felt somewhat relieved as I made the right choice to proceed with the health screening and surgery.
“Either way, I look at things positively as it may have been a test from the Almighty,” he said at a colorectal cancer awareness public forum held here yesterday.
Fellow survivor Nor Azri Mohd Nor, 54, meanwhile said his cancer was detected at stage three.
“It was quite serious and had already affected my bladder.
“I had to undergo surgery,” he said.
Nor Azri, an avid marathon runner, said he first noticed symptoms of bloody stools but opted to self-medicate until the severity became undeniable.
“My advice is not to act smart about it. In my case, I even went to the pharmacy and tried to solve it myself,” he said, adding that he experienced bloody stools for about six months.
“During my runs, even 500m felt like 20km. I noticed something was off. During my vaccination, I was down with a fever for 21 days as well. Only after screening did I know I had cancer,” he said.
He also advised the public to go for early screenings as a precautionary measure. Despite still undergoing treatment, Nor Azri said among his strategies for recovery is to help others.
“I am also aiming to complete a full marathon this year,” he said.
