According to statistics from the Singapore Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the top diagnosed cancer in Singapore – no.1 in men and no.2 in women.
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon (the main part of the large intestine) or the rectum (the passageway connecting the colon to the anus). Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short.
Colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms, particularly in the early stages. Someone may have colorectal cancer and be unaware of it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, signs and symptoms of colon cancer may include:
Consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. They could be the result of something other than cancer. Seeing your doctor is the only way to find out what’s causing them.
The exact causes are unknown, but colon cancer has several potential risk factors:
The majority of colorectal cancers begin as a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps. Some polyps can develop into cancer over time (usually many years), but not all polyps do.
There are 3 different types of polyps, according to the American Cancer Society
A person might inherit a genetic predisposition toward colon cancer from close relatives, especially if a family member received a diagnosis before the age of 60 years old.
Age is a significant risk factor for colon cancer, a majority of people with colon cancer are older than 50. However, the rates of colon cancer in people younger than 50 have been increasing
Lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of colorectal cancer include:
There are 6 effective ways you can do to help lower your risk:
Take control of your weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of getting and dying from the colon or rectal cancer. Eating healthier and increasing your physical activity can help you control your weight.
Get regular exercise: If you are not physically active, you may have a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer. Being more active may help reduce your risk.
Drink less alcohol: Alcohol use has been linked with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. It is best to not drink alcohol. But if you drink, limit yourself to not more than two standard drinks a day:
One standard drink is roughly equal to:
Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains: Diets that include lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked with a decreased risk of colon or rectal cancer. Also, eat less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats), which have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Don’t smoke: People who have been smoking for a long time are more likely than people who don’t smoke to develop and die from colon or rectal cancer
Get screened for colorectal cancer: Screenings are tests that look for cancer before signs and symptoms develop. These tests can find colon or rectal cancer earlier when treatments are more likely to be successful.
You can arrange a clinic visit online at MaNaDr application to see a doctor if you are showing any symptoms.
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Reference: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Colorectal (Colon) Cancer
American Society, About Colorectal Cancer
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