3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in Singapore that affects both men and women. When diagnosed at an early stage, the survival rate for patients is arguably optimistic, with an estimated rate of 91%. It has become increasingly important for routine colonoscopies to be conducted due to the sudden prevalence of colon cancer, even among younger demographics.
The progression of colon cancer is characterised by stages:
Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Singapore.
  • Stage 0: at this stage, the cancer is known as carcinoma in situ (CIS), where the cancer cells are only in the inner lining of the colon or the rectum but have not progressed into the deeper layers.
  • Stage 1: the cancer has penetrated the inner layers of the colon or rectum. However, it has not spread beyond the wall of the colon or the rectum or into the nearby lymph nodes.
  • Stage 2: the cancer has grown through the wall of the colon or rectum but has not spread into the nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
  • Stage 3: the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes but not to the distant organs.
  • Stage 4: the cancer has spread to distant organs, like the liver or the lungs. The spread of cancer to distant organs is also known as metastasis.
  • What causes colon cancer?

    Like other types of cancer, the exact cause of colon cancer remains ambiguous. However, multiple risk factors can increase the probability of a colon cancer diagnosis. Essentially, colon cancer is the manifestation of a mutation of the genetic material (DNA) in the body.
    An estimated 95% of colon cancers tend to develop from colon polyps. A primary determinant of polyps progressing into cancer is the size of the polyp during discovery. It is important to note that not all colon polyps develop into cancer, as most are benign and harmless. Regardless, it is important to schedule routine gut health screening to ensure early intervention is made possible.
    If you are looking to have your colon screened for cancer, then book an appointment with us today.
    Colon cancer usually begins as a small colon polyp that becomes cancerous over time.

    What are the symptoms of colon cancer?

    Some of the common symptoms of colon cancer are:
  • Bloody stools
  • Bloated stomach or stomach pain
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as chronic diarrhoea or persistent constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Vomiting episodes
  • Iron deficiency due to chronic blood loss
  • Who is at risk of developing colon cancer in Singapore?

    Factors that may increase the likelihood of colon cancer diagnosis include:
  • Family history:
  • prevalence of colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer) diagnosis among first and second-degree relatives increases the risk of colon cancer.
  • Alcohol consumption or smoking:
  • an excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking have been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer.
  • Dietary factors:
  • diets rich in excessive red and processed meat increase the risk of colon cancer.
  • Medical conditions:
  • prior diagnosis of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and obesity are linked to an increased risk of colon cancer.
    These risk factors increase the pressure and strain on the anus, which can cause tears in the lining, resulting in an anal fissure.
    Stomach pain can be a symptom of colon cancer
    If you suspect that you are at risk of developing colon cancer and have been showing some symptoms, then it is best to have your symptoms checked. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.

    How is colon cancer diagnosed?

    Colon cancer is typically diagnosed with one or a combination of the following procedures:

    Medical history and physical examination:

    your doctor will inquire about your medical history to gauge the likelihood of a colon cancer diagnosis. Any physical pain will be assessed through palpability.

    Colonoscopy:

    a colonoscopy is the most common and reliable method for diagnosing colon cancer. During this procedure, doctors examine the colon lining for abnormalities, such as polyps or tumours. If any suspicious areas are found, a biopsy will then be performed to collect tissue samples for further examination.

    Imaging tests:

    imaging tests such as CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to detect the presence of tumours in the colon. It may also determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

    Faecal occult blood test (FOBT):

    FOBT is often done to determine the presence of blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colon cancer or other gastrointestinal conditions.

    Blood tests:

    blood tests may be done to check for certain markers associated with colon cancer, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), although these tests are not used alone to diagnose colon cancer.

    What are the treatment options for colon cancer in Singapore?

    When it comes to colon cancer, it is important to understand that the treatment options vary from one patient to another, as it depends on how advanced the cancer is, as well as the patient’s risk factors. Treatment modules for colon cancer may include:

    Surgery:

    surgeries such as robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgeries are the most common treatment modules for early-stage and resectable colon cancer.

    Oncology treatments:

    such as chemotherapy and radiation, are employed to shrink malignant tumours and kill cancer cells.

    Immunotherapy:

    a treatment option for patients with advanced or metastatic colon cancer to assist one’s immune system to recognise and attack the cancer cells.
    As treatment plans are tailored to each patient based on their unique factors, it is important to seek a doctor to discuss your prognosis and treatment options. At CRCS, we believe in empowering our patients with all the information they need to aid them in making informed decisions about their health.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    It is impossible to prevent colon cancer; however, there are some changes that you can adopt to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. This includes avoiding tobacco use, controlling alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and conducting routine screening, especially if you are at high risk of developing colon cancer.

    Yes, anyone can develop colon cancer. However, individuals who are older than 50 years old are usually more likely to develop colon cancer.

    No, it is estimated that roughly 5% of all colon polyps are at risk of becoming cancerous.

    Yes, you will need to be monitored, especially if you have more than three polyps, and are larger than 1 cm.

    Although most patients can resume life normally, it depends on what stage the cancer is at. However, for advanced stages of colon cancer, most patients will experience bowel changes and urinary problems.

    Location

    Colorectal Care Specialists (CRCS)

    3 Mount Elizabeth, #14-15, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510

    Let’s talk!

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