Colorectal (colon) cancer is one of the most preventable cancers we know—yet many people are still diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment is more complex and outcomes are poorer. In the UAE, colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers in both men and women, which is why health authorities have made early screening a major priority.
One of the most important messages for people living in the UAE is simple:
If you are 40 or older, don’t wait for symptoms. Talk to your doctor about colorectal cancer screening.
Unlike some places where screening only starts at 45 or 50, adults in the UAE are often advised to begin screening from the age of 40, even if they feel completely well.
Colorectal cancer usually develops slowly. Most cancers begin as small, non‑cancerous growths called polyps inside the colon or rectum. Over several years, some polyps can change and become cancerous.
Without screening, these changes may go unnoticed until the disease is already advanced. With screening, however, doctors can:
Screening is powerful because it targets people who feel completely fine—not just those with symptoms.
In the UAE, colorectal cancer is being seen more often in younger adults than many people expect, including those in their 40s. This is one reason why several local programmes encourage men and women to:
Typical options for average‑risk adults include:
The key point is this:
If you are 40 or older and live in the UAE, you are already in the age group where screening should be on your health checklist.
Many people assume that serious bowel disease will be obvious. In reality, early colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms.
When warning signs do appear, they may be easy to dismiss or blame on something else. These can include:
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they are a reason to seek medical advice quickly. The challenge is that they often appear later in the process. Screening is about not waiting for this stage.
The best screening test for you depends on your age, risk factors and what is available in your clinic. For most adults from 40 onwards, the common options are:
The FIT test is a simple stool test that checks for tiny amounts of blood that are not visible to the eye.
FIT is:
A colonoscopy allows a specialist doctor to examine the entire colon and rectum using a thin, flexible camera.
Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard because it can both detect cancer and prevent many cancers by removing polyps before they change.
Some centres also offer blood‑based screening tests that look for DNA changes linked to colorectal cancer or advanced polyps. These tests can be an additional option for certain people, but they do not replace colonoscopy. If a blood test is positive, further evaluation is still required.
Your doctor will explain which of these options are suitable for you and how often you should be screened.
While average‑risk adults often start screening at 40 in the UAE, some people may need to start earlier or be screened more often. You should speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you have:
In these cases, your screening plan will be personalised and may involve earlier and more frequent colonoscopies.
Many people delay screening because they are unsure what to expect or feel nervous about the process. Knowing the steps can help.
Step 1: Consultation
Your journey starts with a conversation. Your doctor will:
Step 2: Preparation (if you have a colonoscopy)
If colonoscopy is recommended, you will receive clear instructions on:
Most patients say the preparation is the least pleasant part, but it is essential for a clear and reliable examination.
Step 3: The procedure
On the day of a colonoscopy:
The procedure itself typically takes around 20–30 minutes, followed by a short recovery period.
Step 4: Results and follow‑up
Your doctor will:
Advise when you should next be screened, based on the results and your risk factors
Making colorectal screening part of your 40+ health plan
Many people in their 40s and 50s are focused on careers, children, ageing parents and financial responsibilities. Health can easily slip down the priority list. Yet screening for colorectal cancer is one of the most important long‑term health investments you can make.
It is:
If you are 40 or older and live in the UAE, now is the time to ask a simple question:
“Am I due for colorectal cancer screening?”
At HealthHub Clinics, our family medicine doctors and gastroenterology team can:
Don’t wait for symptoms to tell you something is wrong.
Use this year as the moment you take action.
Book an appointment with a HealthHub doctors in Dubai to discuss colorectal cancer screening, understand your risk, and put a clear plan in place—so you can look after your health and continue to live well every day.
Connect with our experienced doctors at HealthHub Clinics to learn more or call 800 2344. to book your appointment.
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