What You Need to Know About Colon Cancer in Singapore
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer combined) or bowel cancer, originates in the
colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. The colon is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients
from digested food, while the rectum stores faeces before it is expelled from the body. Colon cancer typically
begins as small, benign growths called polyps that form on the inner lining of the colon. Over time, some of these
polyps may become cancerous and develop into tumours.
According to the Singapore Cancer Registry’s Annual Report released in 2015, not only is colorectal cancer (colon
and rectal cancer) the most common cancer in Singapore, it also tends to be diagnosed in its later stages, with
about one-third of cases diagnosed at Stage III and another one-quarter at Stage IV, for both males and females.
This statistic is unfortunate because colon
cancer, unlike many other cancers, is actually easily preventable, as well as detectable and treatable in
its early stages.
What Causes Colon Cancer?
The precise cause of colon cancer is not completely understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic,
environmental, and lifestyle factors. Risk factors for colon cancer include age (most cases occur in individuals
over 50), a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's
disease, a diet high in red and processed meats, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Colon cancer occurs when a polyp in the colon was not detected and treated (removed) early on, and sometimes turns cancerous
over time.
This is why our colon cancer clinic recommends regular screenings (usually a colonoscopy) - to allow abnormal
growths like polyps to be identified and removed on the spot.
