COLORECTAL CANCER: Fastest Growing Cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. In Singapore, it is second only to lung cancer and the numbers are fast becoming the same.

Currently, more than half of those affected will die from this disease. However, most cases of colorectal cancer are curable if diagnosed in the early stage.

About 90% of those with colorectal cancer are above 40 years of age. However, Dr Ng Chin, Consultant General Surgeon, Raffles Surgery Centre, is seeing a worrying trend - younger patients with more aggressive cancers.

Said Dr Ng, “Most colorectal cancer cases are sporadic and occur secondary to gene mutations. However, damaged DNA due to defects in the normal DNA repair process (microsatellite instability)
has been proven to cause colorectal cancer. At risk are those with a personal history of ulcerative colitis, or colon polyps or cancer, and cancers of other organs, especially the breast or uterus.”

Colorectal cancer can also be hereditary. “If you have a first degree relative with colorectal cancer, you have a six to 12- fold increased risk of developing cancer. As such, screening for colorectal cancer is very important,” said Dr Ng.

Treatment

The primary treatment for colorectal cancer is surgery. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are sometimes used in addition to surgery. Between 80% to 90% of colorectal cancer patients recover if the cancer is detected and treated in its early stages. The cure rates however drop to less than 50% in the later stages.

Prevention

Nearly all colon cancers begin as polyps. These growths occur on the bowel wall and may eventually grow in size and become cancerous. Removal of polyps will effectively treat the ‘cancer’ even before it is cancerous. To reduce the risk of contracting colorectal cancer, you can have benign polyps removed through a colonoscopy.

In addition, the colonoscope provides a thorough bowel examination.

There is some evidence that a high-fibre low fat diet may play a role in preventing colorectal cancer.

Finally, you should take note of changes in your bowel habits and see a doctor should you fall under the “high-risk” category. HN

Did You Know?

Ensure a low-fat diet as colorectal cancer has been associated with diets high in saturated fat.

Colorectal cancer risk can be reduced with regular screenings. Talk to your doctor when you
should begin screening and what tests should be considered at that time.