How to know if you need colorectal screening in Singapore
One of the types of cancer that belongs to the top 3 common cancers affecting Singaporeans is colorectal cancer. In a report from the National Cancer Centre in Singapore, it is stated that colorectal cancer is diagnosed in men more than women. This kind of cancer can be tricky to detect during its earliest stage as it may or may not show any symptoms. Colorectal screening in Singapore is highly encouraged for individuals with a personal or family history of this deadly disease.
Colorectal cancer is normally seen in adults who are in their later years, but this does not go to say that the disease cannot affect younger people. The disease usually starts from abnormal growths or polyps in the colon or rectum that develop into cancerous cells during the course of time. What exactly triggers the development of most colorectal cancer still remains unknown.
Who is at risk of developing colorectal cancer?
An individual can increase their risk of developing colorectal cancer if:
- They are over the age of 50, although the colorectal cancer rates in the recent years have shown an increase of its occurrence among adults below 50. Colorectal cancer can also appear at any age.
- They have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. People who have had noncancerous colon polyps or more than one family member that has been diagnosed with this cancer are at high risk of getting colorectal cancer.
- They have chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the colon. Examples of these conditions are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- They practice poor lifestyle choices and habits. Colorectal cancer has been observed to affect people whose diets are high in fat and low in fibre. Likewise, it is also associated with having a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
- They have been diagnosed with diabetes.
- They have undergone radiation therapy in the abdomen area to treat cancers that have been diagnosed prior.
When does one need to see a doctor?
For people whose risk of developing cancer is greater, it is recommended that they should not wait until they reach the age of 45 or they feel symptoms before consulting with a doctor. High risk folks should undergo colorectal screening regularly or as recommended by their doctor in order to catch cancerous cells that may begin to grow in the colon or rectum.
Not all colorectal cancers have symptoms, but when they do these are what to look out for:
- Bloating
- Blood present in the stool or rectum
- Changes that continuously affect a person’s bowel habits
- Changes in the stool’s consistency
- Fatigue
- Pain in the abdominal or pelvic area
- Unexplained anemia
- Unintentional loss of weight
- Vomiting
If these signs are present, it is critical that the person experiencing these get a proper evaluation from a doctor. Colorectal cancer is treatable when it is diagnosed and managed at its early stage.
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?
Colonoscopy is a medical examination that is used to diagnose colorectal cancer. This procedure is done outpatient and is the most effective test in checking for polyps in the colon or rectum as well as colorectal colorectal cancer. The procedure uses medical equipment called a colonoscope. This tool is composed of a long and flexible tube that is attached with a light and a video camera at one end.
To see the condition of the whole colon, the doctor will insert the colonoscope into the rectum. If there are abnormal tissues or polyps identified during the procedure, the doctor can remove these and have them biopsied to check for cancer. Colonoscopy is a safe procedure with minimal risks.
Other types of medical examinations used for colorectal cancer screening include:
- Computed tomography (CT) colonography
- Sigmoidoscopy
Computed tomography colonography, otherwise known as virtual colonoscopy, is performed using radiation CT scanning done in low doses in order to get images of the inner parts of the large intestine. This procedure is recommended for people who are not qualified to go through the standard colonoscopy procedure due to certain risks, such as allergic reactions to anaesthesia, or if there is a blockage in the intestine that proves impossible for a colonoscope to pass through.
Sigmoidoscopy is a test that is done to check the condition of the lower part of the colon that is close to the rectum and anus. This diagnostic exam uses a tool called a sigmoidoscope, which is a flexible tube equipped with a video camera and light, similar to a colonoscope. The only difference between this equipment is that the sigmoidoscope cannot go beyond the sigmoid colon (rectum and anus area). Removal of any suspicious abnormal growths in the lower colon can be done through sigmoidoscopy.
What are the treatments for colorectal cancer in Singapore?
Colorectal cancer treatment in Singapore can be done in two steps:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy
To treat colorectal cancer, it is crucial that the affected parts of the colon are removed to avoid further spreading of the disease. During the surgery, the areas of the colon where the cancerous cells are present are taken out, including the lymph nodes. Depending on the outcome of the surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy may or may not be recommended by the doctor.
Chemotherapy is usually advised for a patient whose colon cancer is at already at an advanced stage or has metastasised to the lymph nodes or other internal organs, such as the lungs or liver. Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer uses strong drugs, usually given in combination. The most common of these are:
- Capeticabine (Xeloda)
- Irinotecan (Camptosar)
- Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin)
- Trifluridine and tipiracil (Lonsurf)
- 5-Fluoruoracil (5-FU)
The possible side effects of chemotherapy include:
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite, hair, and weight
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Radiation therapy or radiotherapy is another treatment that may be used to treat certain cases of cancer. That said, this treatment is usually not used to treat colorectal cancer. Radiotherapy can be effective when:
- It is done simultaneously with chemotherapy and is performed before a surgery in order to shrink a cancerous mass to help remove it from the colon easily.
- It is done during the surgery to treat cancer cells that may still be present in the colon.
- It is done to provide treatment for other parts of the body that have been affected by the same disease as caused by colorectal cancer.
Final word
Undergoing colorectal screening in Singapore can increase one’s chances of treating and overcoming colorectal cancer. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs and symptoms of this disease, do not delay getting a consultation with a reputable doctor.
Alpine Surgical Practice – Dr Aaron Poh, Consultant Surgeon
3 Mount Elizabeth
#17-16 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Phone: +65 6589 8929
Whatsapp: +65 8875 0080
