Cancer Care

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Singapore, with it being the second most common cancer in both men and women, after prostate and breast cancer respectively.

The colon, or large intestine, is part of your digestive tract and is responsible for absorbing water from the food that we eat. Nearly all colorectal cancer begin as polyps and typically affects older adults although it can affect at any age.

Polyps generally aren’t cancerous but some may turn cancerous over time. However, polyps do not cause symptoms, hence doctors recommend regular screening for polyps in the colon. If detected, they can be removed before they turn cancerous.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include a change in bowel habits, blood in your stools, and ongoing discomfort in the belly area.

What are the risk factors

Factors that may have increased the risk of colorectal cancer include:

Age: Although colorectal cancer can appear at any age, it is more prevalent among those aged 50 and older.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases that cause pain and swelling of your intestines may increase your chances of developing colorectal cancer.
Family History: Having a blood relative with a history of colorectal cancer increases your risk of getting it.
Low-Fiber, High-Fat Diet: Studies have found an increased risk of colorectal cancer in those that eat a lot of red meat and processed meat.
Diabetes: People with diabetes or insulin resistance have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Obesity: People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): FIT is used to detect for the presence of blood in the stool. If blood is found, additional tests can confirm the source of the blood and if it is cancer. You are recommended to do a FIT annually.
Colonoscopy: Your colon and rectum will be examined using a special flexible camera inserted through the anus. If any polyps are discovered, it can be removed on the spot. You are recommended to go for a colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years.

Ways to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Singapore. It develops in the large intestine or rectum and usually starts as small growths called polyps, which can become cancerous over time if left untreated. We sit down with General Surgeon Dr. Lee Chin Li to learn more about ways you can lower your risk of colorectal cancer.

Understanding Cancer: Your Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

Advancements in medical technology today offer hope despite the rising incidence of cancer worldwide. With a comprehensive approach to cancer care, including support from experienced clinical oncologists, specialists, and healthcare professionals, many cancers may be effectively treated or managed.

Empowering Yourself with Knowledge

This resource provides information about cancer, including:

Types of Cancer: Learn about different forms of cancer and their specific characteristics.
Early Detection: Understand the importance of cancer screening for early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
Treatment Options: Explore various cancer treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Financial Assistance: Discover available financial aid options to help manage the cost of cancer care.
Reducing Your Risk: Learn about lifestyle factors and preventive measures to minimize your cancer risk.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Normally, the body replaces old or damaged cells with new ones. However, genetic mutations or other factors can disrupt this process, leading to the formation of abnormal cells that multiply uncontrollably and form tumors.

Types of Tumors:

Benign Tumors: Non-cancerous tumors that do not spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant Tumors: Cancerous tumors that can spread to other parts of the body, also known as metastasis.

What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including:

Non-Modifiable Factors: Age, family history, and inherited genetic mutations.
Modifiable Factors:
- Lifestyle: Diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
- Environmental Exposures: Radiation, ultraviolet rays, pollutants, and certain viruses and bacteria.

Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and location. However, some general signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Swelling or lumps
Skin changes
Persistent cough or headaches
Unusual bleeding or bruising

Important Note: These symptoms may also be indicative of other health conditions. Speak to our Specialists today for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Common Cancers in Singapore

Men
Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer and rectal cancer, and is a disease in which the cells in the colon and rectum mutate and change.

Prostate cancer occurs specifically in the prostate, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, where cells mutate to form tumors that may be localized or spread to nearby tissues.

Lung cancer is a disease in which cells in the lungs mutate to form tumors that interfere with the lung's primary function of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.
Women
Breast cancer develops in breast tissue where tumors form, and most breast cancers begin in the ducts and glands of breasts.

Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer and rectal cancer and is a disease in which the cells in the colon and rectum mutate and change.

Lung cancer is a disease in which cells in the lungs mutate to form tumors that interfere with the lung's primary function of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide,

Cancer Treatment Goals

Complete tumor removal.
Prevention of cancer recurrence or spread.
Symptom management and palliative care.

Cancer Prevention

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, you may reduce your risk by:

Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet.
Getting regular exercise.
Undergoing recommended cancer screenings.
Getting vaccinated against certain cancer-causing viruses (e.g., HPV).

Farrer Park Cancer Care is supported by a panel of multi-disciplinary oncology experts to guide patients and their caregivers on their cancer journey; using innovative approaches to cancer treatments with new technologies, personalized care plans and therapies.

From understanding a cancer diagnosis to deciding on a treatment plan, we are here to meet the spectrum of needs required by our patients, providing them with clinical care and working together to make informed decisions as we navigate with them through the disease into remission.

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