3 Things You Should Know About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the number 1 cancer in Singapore and the number of people affected each year is on the rise. Unknown to many people, colorectal cancer is actually curable if detected early. Of all the cancers, colorectal cancer is perhaps the most preventable and treatable.
#1 - No Symptoms
Colorectal cancer often comes as a silent killer without any symptoms. The cancer can strike both the colon and the rectum. The colon is the large intestine which makes up the lower digestive system while the second is the last six inches of the colon.
The cancer in the early stages seldom presents any symptoms. When symptoms are present, they also tend to vary depending on the location of the cancer.
The most common symptom is that of passing of blood in the stools or changes in the bowel habit.
Other signs could include persistent abdominal discomfort or a feeling that your bowel does not empty completely. Some patients are also known to experience weakness or fatigue with some unexplained weight loss.
#2 - A Stool Test or Colonscopy Could Save Your Life
As this disease can affect anyone be they young or old, male or female, Chinese, Malay or Indian, it is wise to go for regular screening to detect this disease. It is especiallyu advisable to go for regular screening once you hit the age of 40.
Screening can help detect polyps before they become cancerous and is thus recommended as a preventive measure.
The stool test is not fool proof and usually involves the detection of any blood. If blood is detected, the doctor will usual recommend the patient to go for colonscopy.
Colonscopy involves the insertion of a colonscope through the rectum. It is done under local anesthetic and discomfort is minimal. If polyps are found during the examination, the doctor may remove them immediately or take tissue samples for analysis.
#3 - Know Your Family History
The first risk factor is age. An estimated 90 per cent of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer are aged 50 and above.
Age aside, another important factor is family history.
Colorectal cancer has a genetic basis and a person is more likely to develop the disease if he has a parent, sibling or child with the disease. If more than one family member suffers from this disease, the risk is even greater.
Some doctors have also advised patients to quit smoking as it increases the risk of cancer.
Where To Get Help
NHG 1-Health Day Surgery and Specialist Clinics
4190 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6
Broadway Plaza Level 3 #03-03
Tel: 65546868
National University Hospital
Endoscopy Centre
Kent Ridge Wing 2, Level 4
Tel: 6772-4025
National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS)
Cancer Centre, Level 4
Cancer Centre @ Level 8
Kent Ridge Wing 2
Tel: 67737888
University Digestive Centre
Kent Ridge Wing 2, Level 4
Tel: 6772-2505
Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)
Radiation Oncology Clinic
Clinic 2A, Level 2
Tan Tock Seng Medical Centre
Tel: 6357-8008/8009
Radiotherapy Centre
Level B3 (Lobby A), TTSH
Tel: 6357-7000 Read more...
