Colorectal Cancer (Aka Colon Cancer)

In terms of cancer, colorectal cancer is the most common and #1 cancer in Singapore. The disease common in both males and female but males have a slightly higher risk. In females it is the number two cancer after breast cancer. According to HealthHub, approximately 1,200 cases are diagnosed each year in Singapore.

The causes of colorectal cancer are multifactorial. they are part genetic and part environmental. Generally, mutations of the DNA in healthy cells in the colon and rectum causes these cells to mutate. These lead to cancerous cells that continue to divide to form a tumor. The factors associated with cancer are:

Older Age

Colorectal cancer can occur in young adults and teenagers, but the majority of colorectal cancers occur in people older than 40. For colon cancer, the average age at the time of diagnosis for men is 68 and for women is 72. For rectal cancer, it is age 63 for both men and women.

Inflammatory Intestinal Conditions

Diseases causing inflammation of the colon can increase your risk of getting colorectal cancer. This includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Family History and Genetics

It is definitely possible for you to inherit genetic risk if you have a family history of colorectal cancer. This is amplified if it is more than one member of the family having the disease.

Lifestyle and Diet

There are certain dietary habits that may increase your risk, such as eating a low fiber diet, and eating too much red meat and animal fats. The general opinion about diet is disputed but certain studies show association with typical western diet. People who do not exercise regularly and are quite sedentary are also at risk.

Diabetes and Obesity

Generally, people who are overweight have a higher risk of colorectal cancer. This is also true if you have diabetes. These risk can be reversed with metabolic or bariatric surgery.

History of Polyps

Generally having polyps increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Certain types of polyps are loaded with greater risk. Removing polyps prevent cancer and can be life saving.

Early stage of colorectal cancer is usually painless and you might not experience obvious symptoms. The cancer is silent in the early stages.

The usual symptoms include:

• lower GI bleeding or rectal bleeding in your stool. This will be bright red. 
• Abdominal discomfort or Gastric pain
• change in bowel habits where the consistency of your stool is changing. (Diarrhoea or constipation)
• The feeling of not completely emptying your bowel
• Bloatedness and cramps
• Fatigue and constant tiredness
• Small calibre stools
• Loss of weight or appetite.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is advisable to see a doctor or specialist to go for cancer surveillance​ to catch it early. 

Generally we advise

Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

This is a rough screening test to look for blood in the stool. A positive result would trigger colonoscopy

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) blood test

CEA is a cancer marker found in the blood. It also monitors the progress of treatment and warns of recurrence after surgery or chemo. Like all cancer markers it is not 100% accurate. There are cases of false positives and false negatives.

Colonoscopy and Biopsy

Colonoscopy is the definitive diagnostic tool for colon problems. This examination allows the doctor to survey the colon and the rectum and even the last part of the small bowel. It is both diagnostic and therapeutic.

Pathologist examine biopsy

Pathology or Histology is to look at the cells obtained from a biopsy. It can confirm the diagnosis of cancer, indicate a different disease and also determine the Grade of the cancer.

CT scan or PET scan.

Computed tomography (CT) and Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are to look for spread of the disease or cancer. Both of the scans are non-invasive imaging techniques to identify abnormalities in the body or colon.

Managing cancer depends on the stages of the cancer. This advises the specialist or doctor on the ideal treatment. Cancer is separated into five stage with the ability of recurrence:

Stage 0: Cancer is found in the innermost lining

Stage 1: Tumour grossly visible

Stage 2: Invaded nearby tissue

Stage 3: Spread to lymph nodes. 

Stage 4: Spread to liver and lungs. Metastasis.

If the colorectal cancer is at the late stage, an oncologist will need to collaborate in the management. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy or radiotherapy are common adjuncts.

Removal of cancerous area. Done through open surgery or laparoscopy which is minimally invasive surgery. Surgical options depends on the progression of the cancer which is advised by the attending specialist or doctor.

Untreated Colorectal Cancer can sometimes go undetected as there are no symptoms but usually there are. Colorectal cancer is treated by surgery but in the late stage of metastases where the cancer has spread to other organs, you would feel:

• Blockage of the intestines causing intestinal obstruction from cancer nodes and tumors
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Changes in breathing if the tumor has spread across the lungs
• Tumor spreads to other organs, leading to organ failure
• Death can be slow and painful.

Most appointments concerning colorectal cancer screening would require a consult and colonoscopy. If you are experiencing symptoms of colorectal cancer, please make an appointment with us.