A second batch of colon cancer screenings was organised by American Mission Hospital (AMH) for Bahrain residents at the Isa Town Social Centre.

It was part of AMH's five screening programmes being held in the country to combat the risk of colon cancer.

More than BD30,000 ($79,579) is being spent to sponsor complete colon cancer screenings for 750 patients in Bahrain, with 150 being screened at each centre.

The tests start with a free stool analysis, followed by a consultation with a gastroenterologist and a colonoscopy if needed.

'As part of our continuing community outreach programmes, we provide educational and preventative medical services at various venues to promote health and well-being of the community of Bahrain,' said AMH fundraising and communications senior manager Bahnaz Abbas.

'The first event was a success, with more than 150 people taking advantage of the colon screening at the Hamad Town Social Centre.

'Out of the 150 samples provided, the testing has been completed and results have shown at least four patients will be called back for further investigation.

'We had many inquiries about the programme once the Hamad Town screening took place, so we expect an even larger turnout at the other social centres.'

An inflatable representation of the human colon was part of the event, which showed visitors the stages of development of colorectal cancer and medical kits for screening were provided by medical company Roche.

The next screenings will take place in Riffa, Jidhafs and Ibn Khuldoon Social Centres.

They are sponsored by Human Rights and Social Development Ministry, BMI Bank, ABC, Bahrain National Gas Company, Roche, GDN, Akhbar Al Khaleej and Chevron, Y K Almoayyed and KDD, Mohamed Fakhro, Trafco, Coca Cola, Lays and Evian.-TradeArabia News Service