Colorectal cancer (colon cancer) is a top cancer for both genders in Singapore. The Division of Medical Oncology from National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) shares eight tips on how to effectively lower your risk.
What is colorectal cancer (colon cancer)?
Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer) is the top cancer* affecting men and women in Singapore.
It is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 50 years and above. However, colorectal cancer incidence is also rising amongst younger individuals under the age of 50.
Although the exact cause of colorectal cancer remains unknown, many risk factors have been established. For instance, if any member of your family has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 45 years, you are considered to be at high risk.
Other non-modifiable risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
A history of familial adenomatous polyposis
Ulcerative colitis, a disease which tends to run in families
Two or three immediate relatives diagnosed with colorectal cancer at any age
However, that does not mean that most cases of colorectal cancer are hereditary in nature.
“Less than 10 per cent of colorectal cancer cases are due to inherited gene defects,” shares doctors from the
Division of Medical Oncology at National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), a member of the
SingHealth group.
For everything you need to know about colorectal cancer (colon cancer), watch this video!
You can actually do something to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer (colon cancer). Here are eight effective ways.
8 Ways to prevent colorectal cancer (colon cancer)
Screening for colorectal cancer is your best protection. A simple way to find out if you may have colon cancer is through a stool test called FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test). If you are 50 years old and above, and do not have any symptoms of colorectal cancer, it is recommended that you do a FIT once a year. The test can be done easily, in the comfort of your home.
A colonoscopy is the
gold standard for complete large bowel evaluation. It has high sensitivity and specificity and the long recommended screening interval of 10 years. During a colonoscopy, asymptomatic polyps can also be removed before they become malignant.
Eat less fat and red meat. There is convincing evidence that red meat contributes to colorectal cancer risk. The World Cancer Research Fund recommends eating a maximum of 500g of cooked red meat per week.
Eat more vegetables, fruits and fibre. Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) recommends 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily. Fibre helps to speed up the passage of food and dilute the carcinogens in the colon, according to the Singapore Cancer Society.
Exercise regularly. Aim to have 150 minutes of physical activity every week (or 30 minutes daily). Find it difficult to start exercising? Start simple by walking more, taking the stairs and even doing household chores. Some physical activity is better than none!
Quit smoking (if you're still a smoker). Tobacco has been shown to increase polyp formation. Polyps are like bumps on the surface of the colon which can grow to be cancerous.
Cut down on alcohol, especially distilled spirits. Having more than nine drinks a week of distilled spirits on a regular basis (for at least 10 years) can increase your colon cancer risk by more than 300 per cent.
Control your diabetes. People with
diabetes (diabetics) are up to 40 per cent more likely to develop colon cancer than non-diabetics.
Consider taking a calcium supplement. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, calcium “probably” has a protective effect against colorectal cancer. The evidence is derived from studies using calcium supplements at a dose of 1200mg/day.
How colorectal cancer (colon cancer) occurs
The large intestine or colon, is the final part of the digestive tract. It is responsible for absorbing water from the food that we eat and turning indigestible food into waste.
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together and known as colorectal cancer, due to their common features.
Nearly all colorectal cancers begin as
polyps, which are benign growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some of these polyps can change and become cancerous. Polyps may be small and generally do not cause any symptoms.
Some colorectal cancers arise from the innermost lining of the colon or rectum without the development of polyps. Cancer cells can grow deep into the wall of the colon or rectum and may extend into the fatty tissue that surrounds the colon and rectum.
Colorectal cancer can also spread to nearby lymph nodes. In some cases, cancer cells spread through blood vessels to other parts of the body such as the liver.
Colorectal cancer (colon cancer) symptoms
In the early stages, colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms. In later stages, symptoms may include:
Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
Blood in the stools or rectal bleeding
Change in the consistency or calibre of stools
General abdominal discomfort (bloating, fullness, cramps or gas)
A feeling that the bowel does not completely empty after emptying the bowels
Constant tiredness
Severe appetite or weight loss
As the above-mentioned symptoms can be caused by a number of reasons and not necessarily cancer, do consult a doctor to have these symptoms checked.
Colorectal cancer (colon cancer) was featured in HealthXchange’s “Ask the Specialist” section. Check out the answers to questions that were submitted from the public by clicking here and
here.
* According to the
Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021
Ref: H24 (ed)
Check out other articles on colorectal cancer (colon cancer):
Colorectal Cancer Affects the Young Too
Colorectal Cancer: Commonly Asked Questions Answered!
Colorectal Cancer Treatment: What Are Your Options?
Your Best Protection Against Colon Cancer
Suspect You May Have Colon Cancer? What to Do
