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When should I get screened for colorectal cancer?
Why Everyone Over 50 Should Grab a FIT Kit
What’s the Deal with FIT?
It’s short for Faecal Immunochemical Test—a painless way to sniff out hidden colon cancer. Think of it as a quick “scan” of your gut, without any needles or big medicine.
Stats That Matter
- The Singaporean health office (NRDO) says about 1 in 4–5 people will face cancer at some point in their lives.
- After the age of 50, those numbers shoot up, no matter whether you’re male or female.
Why Starting at 50 Makes Sense
Because data shows the risk spikes once you hit that milestone, it’s smart to start checking early.
Why FIT is Great for You
- Non-invasive—no big procedures.
- It’s free for all citizens and permanent residents who’re 50 or older.
- It’s a quick first step before any more thorough exams.
What Happens If Your Test Is Positive?
Don’t panic. A positive result means you’ll need to follow up with your doctor for a deeper look.
Take the Leap—Your Gut Will Thank You!
Besides FIT, are there other screening methods?
Why Colonoscopy Still Reigns Supreme
When it comes to spot‑checking our gut for unsuspecting cancer suspects, the colonoscopy takes the crown. It’s the gold standard for a reason: the technique is as close to being a medical precision instrument as we can get.
How the Magic Happens
A skinny, flexible tube—thanks to high‑definition fibre‑optic tech—slides through the anus and offers a backstage pass into the colon and rectum. The doctor gets a live, “high‑res” look at every wrinkle of the inner lining, so they can spot:
- Polyps—those tiny growths that could evolve into cancer if left alone.
- Malignant lesions—real‑time detection of cancerous spots.
And we’re not just pointing out the problem; the scope lets us:
- Take biopsies.
- Snip out those pesky polyps.
That’s why colonoscopy remains the go‑to procedure: a one‑stop shop for diagnosis and treatment.
CT Colonography: The Silent Companion
There’s another method called CT colonography, or “virtual colonoscopy,” that uses a CT scan to construct a 3‑D image of the colon. While it can wink out potential issues, it falls short in one pesky detail: it cannot swipe away or sample suspicious spots. The colonoscopy, therefore, still holds the ultimate power for both detection and extermination of cancer threats.
What causes colorectal cancer?
Keeping Colorectal Cancer at Bay Before It Gets Going
What Are Polyps?
Picture them as mischievous little buds swarming along the inside walls of your colon and rectum. Most of them play harmlessly, but some are the ones that could one day turn into the colossal villain—cancer.
Why We Chip Them All Off
Because science hasn’t cracked the code to tell which buds will turn nasty. So the safe play is to clip them all away during a routine sweep—aka a screening.
Time is on Our Side
- Polyps have an all‑in‑waiting game—usually they need years, sometimes decades, to grow into a threat.
- This slow rhythm gives us a golden window to swing into action before it’s too late.
- Sticking to regular screenings keeps that window open.
The Bottom Line
Think of your doctor’s visits as a savior’s shield, snipping those sprouty culprits before they mature into a real nightmare. So stay on track with screenings—you’ve got the time you need to halt the whole drama.
Am I at risk, and what can I do about it?
Slicing Up Your Health Risk
Below is the lowdown on how lifestyle choices can be a game‑changer for colon cancer, and what you can’t change except through family history.
Things You Can Tweak
- Obesity: Shedding a few pounds can lighten the load your colon carries.
- Physical inactivity: Moving more means less strain on your gut.
- Smoking: Hitting the brakes on tobacco stops a major risk factor.
Things You Can’t Alter
- Genetics: Your DNA keeps a few secret tabs that just can’t be toggled.
- Hereditary factors: If relatives have colorectal problems, it’s a familial flag.
Bottom line: You can flip many switches with habits, but some switches are in the family toolbox. Keep cooking healthy, stay active, and quit smoking—those tweaks make the difference.
I’m under 50. So I’m not at risk, right?
Family Legacy: When Cancer Hits Harder
Picture this: your family’s medical history is like an unwelcome secret that’s been passing down through generations—one that can make you more likely to face multiple cancers. If you’re one of those lucky (or unlucky) folks who inherited a hereditary cancer syndrome, it’s not just you, it’s everyone in the lineage.
Top‑Notch Syndromes to Keep an Eye On
- Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) — Think of it as a cajoling set of polyps that stick around from the get‑go, raising the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Hereditary Non‑Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) — Also known as Lynch syndrome; it’s the secret sauce behind most hereditary colorectal cases, but can also spice up the risk for other cancers.
So, if your family has a history of these syndromes, you’re more likely to hook onto multiple cancers over your lifetime. Good thing: knowing the story early means you can get the right checks and take your chances to stay ahead of the game.
Demographically, it is the no. 1 killer for men. Why?
Why Men Outpace Women in Colorectal Cancer
Picture this: while most of us are busy juggling work, family, and that elusive groove on Instagram, a silent opponent is at play in our guts—colorectal cancer. The funny part? Men seem to get more of it, yet in the female world, it still holds the title of second most common cancer.
The Singapore Snapshot
- New Cases (2011‑2015): Over 9,800 diagnoses, making it the most common cancer in Singapore.
- Gender Split: While men are the front runners, women aren’t far behind—just a few numbers shy of leading the count.
And What Do We Know?
Honestly, the exact reasons for this gender gap are still a mystery—like trying to find the missing sock in a dryer. Scientists suspect a mix of genetics, lifestyle choices, and maybe even internal hormonal humor.
Takeaway
Whether you’re a man or a woman, staying on top of screenings, eating a balanced plate, and keeping stress in check can give you a solid edge in this ongoing battle. Because in the end, knowledge and prevention are the best weapons against this sneaky foe.
What are the available treatments for colorectal cancer?
Colorectal Cancer: Surgery Still Reigns Supreme
Why Surgery Still Takes the Crown
In the epic battle against colorectal cancer, the reigning champ is still the classic—yet get this: the throne has been upgraded. Surgeons now lean toward minute, keyhole (or minimally‑invasive) procedures that make the operation feel more like a jazz performance than a full‑on rock show. Instead of a brutal, wide‑open wound, everything is done through a few skinny incisions.
What Makes the Modern Surgical Approach So Great
- Precision – Robotic arms and high‑definition scopes give surgeons the edge to zig‑zag around literally every “bad” cell.
- Smaller cuts – Less tissue damage translates to fewer scars and lower pain levels.
- Speedy recovery – Many patients are back on their feet in a flash, often within days of the procedure.
When the Plot Thickens
If the cancer decides to play a hardball and jumps beyond the colon and rectum, the story changes. In those bolder chapters, doctors might add chemo and radiotherapy into the mix. That’s the “suite” discussion for advanced cases—surgery is still a star but the supporting cast stepped in.
Bottom Line
Keep thinking of your surgeon as the bravado‑filled protagonist who snips away the villain with super‑low incision horror. If the plot gets complicated, the extra treatments are just side‑kicks in case you hit a spoiler: advanced spreads.
What would I expect post-op?
As with any major surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for up to 3 months after surgery. In addition, they are also advised to take less dietary fibre in the initial months after surgery to reduce bloating and constipation. But in the long term, there are no significant changes required.
Patients can, however, experience changes in their bowel habits. As the main function of the colon is to absorb fluids to make stools form, the removal of part of the colon often results in more liquid and frequent stools, but this usually settles with time.
With surgery involving removal of part of or the entire rectum, especially with the addition of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, many patients face challenging issues of faecal incontinence, particularly in the elderly. But this can be dealt with using medications and pelvic floor exercises.
Does colon cleansing supplements, a detox, or having colon hydrotherapy help prevent colon cancer?
Why a Clean Colon is Like Cutting a Forest
Imagine your colon as a bustling rainforest. In this lush ecosystem, a colorful array of bacteria, plants, and animals thrive together, each playing a role in keeping the environment healthy and balanced.
What Happens When the Rainforest is Rained Out?
- Hydrotherapy and detox diets sometimes strip out the very “vegetation” that keeps the colon flourishing.
- Without the natural “faecal flora,” the gut’s ecosystem goes from vibrant to barren – a scorched forest after a wildfire.
In other words, when doctors or wellness regimens push for that quick cleanse, they’re essentially washing the soil clean of good seeds. And just like no jungle can survive without its plants, no colon can remain healthy without its microbiome.
So, what do you need to keep your gut alive?
- Regular, mild bowel movements that allow beneficial bacteria to thrive.
- A diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and a little bit of patience.
In short, a colon that’s been stripped clean of its faecal content is a dead zone – no plant, no animal, no life. Keep the colon’s “rainforest” thriving and let it do its job naturally.
Do you have tips and advice to prevent colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is preventable since it starts as polyps and take years to become cancerous, if at all. We can remove polyps to stop them from becoming cancerous. Colorectal cancer is also very treatable in the early stages. Unfortunately, we are still diagnosing the disease at advanced stages due to public ignorance and fear of screening.
BIGGEST TIP!
Stay healthy by eating all food groups in moderation and exercising regularly.
Come for colorectal cancer screening at 50 years or 10 years before the age of the youngest colorectal cancer patient in your family (whichever is earlier). Do not ignore symptoms like blood in the faeces, loss of weight or appetite, and changes in bowel habit.
