Cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. According to a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report for global statistics, 9.7 million deaths in the year 2022 were due to cancer. Furthermore, the very same report noted that lung, breast, and colorectal cancers were the three major types of cancer-causing the deaths. Amongst these, colorectal cancer is the most common in Singapore—affecting approximately 45 out of every 100,000 people. This is certainly cause for concern, seeing as how common colorectal cancer is in Singapore. Therefore, if you’re concerned about the risks of colorectal cancer and want to take proactive steps to minimise its progression, then this article will be a good read for you.
Colorectal cancer progresses through five stages, ranging from Stage 0, where the cancer is confined and least spread, to Stage 4, where it has extensively spread to other parts of the body. Early detection of colorectal cancer is crucial in improving treatment outcomes and can be life-saving. To identify the signs of colorectal cancer, it is always important to go in for regular check-ups and colorectal cancer screenings. This article will explore what colorectal cancer is and the types of colorectal cancer screenings in Singapore, and it will highlight the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Furthermore, we will discuss where you can find colorectal cancer treatments for you or your loved ones.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, occurs when there is an abnormal growth in the colon or rectum (bowel). It usually starts as a benign/non-cancerous growth (precancerous polyps) which can gradually become cancerous if left untreated. However, colorectal cancer screenings can detect these precancerous polyps early, allowing for their removal before they turn cancerous. Therefore, going in for regular screenings is crucial, especially for those at risk. Let’s explore when you should be going in for a screening and if you’re at risk.
If you already have these pre-existing conditions or fit this criteria, you should consider going for a screening:
- If you are 50 years and above
- If you are prone to Inflammatory Bowel Disease, like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
Although you may not have these conditions and are not at high risk, there are a few other signs that could signal colorectal cancer. Here are 4 warning signs of colon cancer:
- Change in bowel habits (i.e. diarrhoea or constipation)
- Constant fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
If you fit the above criteria and feel that you are at high risk for colorectal cancer, it’s important to talk to a gastroenterologist (a medical doctor specialising in gastrointestinal disorders) about potential screening options. For now, this article will briefly discuss some of the available options/methods for colorectal cancer screening in Singapore.
- Colonoscopy:
This is a simple and routine procedure that is useful in screening for colorectal cancer. It examines the changes in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This is done by inserting a long flexible tube (coloscope) into the rectum. Furthermore, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during this screening. Certain people find this procedure a little daunting due to fear of pain and discomfort. However, there are reliable cancer centres that can do a colonoscopy in Singapore as painlessly as possible.
- Other Tests:
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) colonography. sigmoidoscopy, stool DNA test, faecal occult blood test (FOBT) and faecal immunochemical test (FIT)
If you are still unsure of where to start and which cancer screening you should opt for, or just generally concerned because of how common colorectal cancer is in Singapore, we advise that you seek a professional opinion—that’s where we can help!
If you or a loved one wishes to undergo colorectal cancer tests, we at Alpha Digestive and Liver Centre can aid you through this process. If you’re looking to get a colonoscopy in Singapore or a colorectal cancer treatment, we are ready to help. You can book a screening appointment with our gastroenterologist, Dr. Yip, to identify if there is any cause for concern. Furthermore, if you require treatment, we will carefully select suitable colorectal cancer treatments for you.
Don’t hesitate to contact us—your health matters the most!
References
1. Colonoscopy. Mayo Clinic. February 28, 2024. Accessed December 13, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/colonoscopy/about/pac-20393569#:~:text=A%20colonoscopy%20(koe%2Dlun%2D,is%20inserted%20into%20the%20rectum.
2. Stages of Colon Cancer. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Accessed December 13, 2024. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/colon/stages#:~:text=There%20are%20five%20stages%20of,less%20the%20cancer%20has%20spread.
3. Global cancer burden growing, amidst mounting need for services. World Health Organization. Accessed December 13, 2024. https://www.who.int/news/item/01-02-2024-global-cancer-burden-growing--amidst-mounting-need-for-services.
