Former Red Pepper journalist Hassan Mutuhe is hospitalised at Mulago cancer institute fighting for his life having been diagnosed with rectal/colon cancer.
As a features writer and a Makerere university graduate he left Red Pepper in 2012 and went to Rwanda for greener pastures.
Though not so much is known about his career in Rwanda, Hassan was one of the best writers.
“. Those of you who would like to check on us, we are in Mulago Cancer Institute, New building 6th floor room 4,” a friend circulated a text on social media.
His mother also lost the battle to same disease last year.
Facts about Rectal/Colon Cancer
Colon and rectal cancer, collectively known as colorectal cancer, have many similar characteristics and will be discussed as one cancer type in this section.
Colorectal cancer is currently the third most common cancer in both men and women. Incidence and mortality rates have been declining since the 1980’s, partially due to improvements in screening and prevention. In 2016, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be approximately 95,270 new cases diagnosed and 49,190 deaths due to colorectal cancer globally.
In the early stages of the disease, colorectal cancer symptoms may be minimal, or not present at all. As the disease progresses, symptoms may increase in quantity and degree of severity. Because colorectal cancer symptoms often do not present themselves until the disease has progressed past the initial stage, regular screening is recommended, and should be part of a continued health plan for anyone over 50.
