Facts about colorectal cancer and why you should opt to undergo a colorectal cancer screening in Singapore

Colorectal cancer is a disease that affects the colon or large intestine, which is a part of the digestive tract. Early detection of colorectal cancer has saved countless lives. However, this disease can be a traitor as it rarely gives off any signs or symptoms during its initial stages. That is why colorectal cancer screening https://gastrohealth.com.sg/services/colonoscopy-singapore/ is crucial especially for people who have an increased risk of developing this disease or those who have turned 45.

Here are several facts about colorectal cancer that you should know:

1. Regular colorectal cancer screening is crucial and important

Undergoing regular screening for colorectal cancer increases the chance of discovering any abnormal growths in the colon that can turn to cancer. Abnormal growths or polyps can be found and removed during a colonoscopy procedure. These are then checked to see whether they are cancerous or not. Any other damage in the colon, such as lesions, can be an indication of cancer. Early treatment of the disease increases the survival rate of a patient and improves the quality of life.

2. Colorectal cancer affects anyone

It does not matter whether you are male or female—colorectal cancer can affect anyone. However, men are more prone to developing this type of cancer, especially at a young age. Among ethnicities, African-Americans have a higher chance of getting colorectal cancer.

3. Age is the top factor that places anyone at high risk of developing colorectal cancer

A huge number of colorectal cancer cases affects adults, both male and female, who are above 50 years old. In the more recent years, the cases of colorectal cancer in younger people have also increased. Hence, experts advise that people who have average risk of developing colorectal cancer undergo a colonoscopy procedure by the time they turn 45.

For people with increased risk of colorectal cancer, specifically those who have it in their family, they should undergo a colonoscopy procedure at an earlier age and do so regularly.

4. Colorectal cancer may be passed on in the family from generation to generation

A disease is not an inheritance that you would be happy in getting from your family. This is a sad truth for families who have colorectal cancer running in their genes. This disease can be passed on and the risk of inheriting it is, at maximum, five times as compared to those who do not have colorectal cancer in their family’s medical history.

5. Being healthy does not guarantee being cancer free

Colorectal cancer does not exhibit any signs or symptoms, especially during its early stages. Hence, your body may be feeling at the top of your game, but all the while unknowingly nursing cancer growths in the colon. Signs and symptoms usually emerge when the cancer is already at an advanced stage. If you feel any changes to your body, such as abdominal pain, fatigue, unintentional weight loss and notice blood in your stool, immediately consult with a doctor and ask if you should undergo a colorectal cancer screening.

6. Your lifestyle can place you at risk of developing colorectal cancer

Not having colorectal cancer in your family does not mean that you are at 100% chance of being colorectal cancer free. Your diet and daily habits can still place you at risk of developing this fatal condition. People who are overweight and obese have a high risk of getting colorectal cancer and they are also exposed to more complications. Eating and drinking habits can also alter the health of your colon. Heavy consumption of alcohol and meats that are processed and red also makes you a possible candidate for colorectal cancer. Other risk factors that are also linked to causing this disease are smoking and lack of regular exercise. Changing your unhealthy lifestyle and habits can lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

7. Certain health conditions can also increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer

Medical conditions that affect the health like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Type 2 diabetes, or familial adenomatous polyposis can make your chances of getting colorectal cancer higher.

8. There are several ways to get colorectal cancer screening

Colonoscopy is the most common procedure used to check the health of your colon. This procedure makes use of a colonoscope, which is a medical tool that is inserted into the colon and projects images to see its current condition. This procedure is efficient in detecting any abnormalities or disorders in the colon. Aside from colonoscopy, there are also other screening tests that you may opt to get or may be recommended by your doctor. These tests include barium enema, CT colonography, fecal occult blood test that may be done at home, fecal immune testing, or sigmoidoscopy.

9. Colorectal cancer belongs to the top 3 cancers that affect Singaporeans

Cancer statistics from the National Cancer Centre Singapore reported that colorectal cancer is among the top 3 cancer types that affect Singaporeans within the period of 2015 to 2019. Colorectal cancer is the number 1 cancer that is diagnosed among men and second among women.

10. Waiting for symptoms to show up is like putting one foot in the grave

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. You do not have to wait until the symptoms show up for your to decide to get screened, especially when you know that you have a greater chance of getting this dreadful disease. Look for a reputable gastroenterologist and book a consultation to get your colon’s health checked. Colorectal cancer treatment should not be delayed. Discovering the existence of this condition late in the game only decreases your chance for survival.

Final note

You can turn to a gastroenterologist to get the health of your colon checked. Gastroenterologists are medical doctors who specializes in the management and treatment of conditions, disorders, and diseases relating to the digestive system. Beyond the digestive tract, these doctors can also treat another organ of the body that help the digestive system, which is the liver. They are well-versed in providing treatment for colorectal cancer and they also perform colorectal cancer screening in Singapore.

Gastrohealth Clinic – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroenterologist | Colonoscopy Singapore

6A Napier Rd, #03-370 Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, Singapore 258500

+65 6355 5773

enquiries@gastrohealth.com.sg

Home