Colorectal Cancer: Singapore’s #3 Most Common Cancer
Ever heard the phrase “gut feeling”? Well, it’s literally true in Singapore – colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the three cancers most often diagnosed here, no matter what your gender, ethnicity, or family tree looks like.
Number Dice: How Often Do These Cases Pop Up?
- On average, about one in every six men in Singapore will be told they have CRC.
- For women, the odds are roughly one in seven.
- Among the population, Chinese men and women shoulder the highest share of this burden.
That’s a staggering figure – nearly 15% of all men and 14% of all women who see a doctor for a cancer diagnosis end up with CRC.
So, What Is Colorectal Cancer Anyway?
In plain English: it’s a malignant growth that starts in the colon or rectum – the keep‑hub of your digestive system. Think of it as a stubborn cookie that refuses to dissolve, eventually forming a tumor.
Why Is It So Popular in Singapore?
- Urban diets high in processed meats and low in fresh fiber are often culprits.
- Modern lifestyles and fast‑track habits leave little room for regular screening.
- Genetics may play a role, especially amongst the Chinese community, who seem to be at a higher risk.
Can You Cut the Odds? Yes, You Can!
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains – your colon will thank you.
- Stay active; even a daily walk can help keep those gut cells in check.
- Get screened early – colonoscopy is the golden ticket, and it’s free for most Singaporeans who dare to book it.
- When it comes to risk, a glimmer of hope always exists. Small lifestyle tweaks can make a huge difference.
Bottom line: knowing the facts is the first step to beating colorectal cancer. Stay informed, stay healthy, and don’t let it take the crown you deserve!
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal Cancer: Spotting the Red Flags
Hey there, health detectives! If you know what’s going on down in your gut, you can catch trouble early. Below are the common clues that might hint at colorectal cancer. Remember, the gut can be a stubborn place, so if something feels off, a quick chat with your doctor could save you a lot of hassle later.
Typical Symptom Checklist
- Constipation that just won’t budge.
- Unpredictable waves of diarrhea.
- Changes in stool colour or shape—think “train tracks” or a rainbow in your bathroom.
- Blood popping up in your poop.
- Bleeding out of the rectum, sort of like a tiny blood pool.
- Chronic abdominal aches that feel like a bad joke you can’t laugh off.
- Feeling weak, tired, or drained—like you’re running on empty.
- Unexpected weight loss, because your body’s trying to lighten the load.
Why Too Many Folks Go Symptom‑Free in the Early Game
Early stages are stealthy‑mode. It’s like the cancer’s playing hide‑and‑seek and has mastered the “quiet” skill. That means you can be totally symptom‑free and still have a tumour lurking. That’s why ignoring nano‑summons might lead to a big “later” apology.
What If the Symptoms Are Misleading?
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s) can cross‑over with these signs.
- Spurious symptoms can be frightening, but there’s also a chance they’re just a pesky tummy bug.
Key Takeaway: Don’t Delay the Doctor Visit
Bottom line: When anything even mildly odd pops up, make an appointment. A prompt diagnostic check (like a colonoscopy or stool test) could confirm or rule out cancer, giving you peace of mind—or the chance to act early. Your health deserves the best detective work.
What causes colorectal cancer?
Got the Gut Feeling? Let’s Talk Polyps and the Silent Threat
Picture the lining of your large intestine as a calm, seamless ocean. Occasionally, tiny non‑cancerous bumps (polyps) pop up like uninvited seaweed swirls. Most of the time, they’re harmless, but if they linger, they might morph into something far more dangerous – colorectal cancer.
Why Some People See Them, Others Don’t
- Genetics: Your DNA can be a rebellious roommate that pops up these bumps.
- Environment: Diet, lifestyle, and even the microbes in your gut can tilt the scales.
- Unknown Mysteries: Researchers are scratching their heads and chasing clues. It’s a front‑line science story.
When a Polyp Turns Rogue
Open the door to the grand “What if?” scenario: later on, a tiny, benign polyp could become an unwelcome guest in your gastrointestinal gallery.
What makes it happen? A whirlwind of biological drama best left to the experts.
A Sudden, Unforeseen Cancer Appearance
Sometimes, colorectal cancer appears like a surprise party with no invites at all. Family history often takes the spotlight, and it usually carries a buckle-up (screening) sign.
- Ensure Everyone in the Family Hits the Check‑point
- Stay Alert to Anomalies – early detection is the best shield.
Doctor’s Prescription: The Screening Snapshot
Your trusty healthcare professional can give you a quick peek into your colon’s health:
- Colonoscopy – a live tour inside.
- Manifold Tests – checking for rogue cells.
- Proactive Removal – if a minor polyp is spotted, a simple surgery keeps it from evolving.
Bottom line: grab the chance for screening, because a tiny decision today can dodge a huge worry tomorrow.
Am I at risk of colorectal cancer?
Time to Talk Bowel Health
Heads up: the chance of catching colorectal cancer tends to climb once you hit 50 years old. After that point, regular bowel screenings become a smart move.
Why you might be at higher risk
- Family history – if someone close to you has battled colorectal cancer, your odds creep up.
- Past bowel troubles – conditions like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis can lay the groundwork for future risks.
- Genetic quirks – syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis spell out a future of countless tiny polyps in the large intestine.
The younger generation is not exempt
While it may be tempting to think “I’m too young for this,” data shows that about 1 in 10 Singaporeans diagnosed with colorectal cancer are under 50. That’s a striking trend that deserves attention.
Don’t let age be the gatekeeper
If you start noticing any odd symptoms—whether they feel minor or major—skip the “I’m just too young” label and book a check‑up. Early detection can save lives, and a quick chat with your doctor is the best first step.
Why is colorectal cancer so common?
Why Colorectal Cancer Is On the Rise (And How to Fight Back)
Colorectal cancer isn’t just a Singapore issue – it’s a global trend. Those with a tendency to overeat, love a cigar, indulge in cocktails or cram on fatty foods are all stepping into the danger zone. Even a sweet tooth for sugar can count, especially if type 2 diabetes is in the mix.
Singapore’s Situation in 2024
- Average weight? 3 kg heavier than it was 15 years ago.
- Obesity? Rising, with a projected 15% hit in about seven years.
- Smoking? Among 18‑29‑year‑olds, up 33%.
- Alcohol? Per‑capita consumption nearly tripled from 2005 to 2015, and 9.6% binge‑drink daily.
- Calories? 59% eat more than the recommended daily amount.
- Diabetes? Roughly 400,000 people.
What You Can Do Right Now
Take the reins of your health and shrink that risk. One of the first moves? Quit smoking. Below are some quick‑fire tips to keep the cravings in check.
Make the Quit Plan Work
- Set a date. Pick a day within the next two weeks. Mark it on your calendar as your “Quit Date.”
- Tell a friend. Choose someone who’ll be your accountability buddy. Share your mission & your “Quit Date.”
- Swap the habit. Instead of a cigarette, pop a household item or practice a brief breathing exercise.
- Track! Use a simple diary or phone app to note cravings, successes, and setbacks. Knowing the pattern helps you avoid future traps.
- Reward yourself. Treat yourself to a new book, a movie or a comfy hoodie for every smoke‑free week.
Hinder the Temptation Tactics
When you’re around people who still kick a cigarette, you need a game plan. Remember:
- Just say no. It’s perfectly fine to politely decline the tend‑to‑smoke invites.
- Redirect. Offer a walk instead of a cigarette break.
- Stay stocked. Keep water, fruit or crunchy snacks handy to busy your hands and mind.
- Keep levelers. Data suggests that holding your breath for 30 seconds can help reduce urge intensity. Try it on the shelf.
With simple steps and a solid mental resolve, you steer yourself away from colon cancer’s looming shadow and toward a healthier tomorrow.
Why Saying Goodbye to Smoke is a Game‑Changer (and Why It Matters)
Ever wonder what’s lurking in your cigarette? It’s a recipe for cancer. You’ve seen the headlines—14 different cancers linked to smoking. But quitting isn’t just about dodging cancer; it’s a full‑body health reset: – less COPD, heart attacks, and even diabetes. If you’re still on the fence, this is a good reason to wave the smoking flag.
Power‑Up with a Balanced Plate
Food is your secret weapon. Picture this: Processed meats (bacon, sausages, ham)^*. They’re not just tasty—they’re also heavy hitters on the cancer scale. Red meat (beef, lamb, pork) follows suit. The trick? Swap the carnivores for the good stuff.
- Fruits & veggies – they’re like the “clean up crew” for your body.
- High‑fiber foods – keep you feeling full, help you stay fit, and keep diabetes, obesity, and even high blood pressure in check.
- Whole grains & legumes – keep the sugar swings away.
Why It Works
When you keep a balanced diet, you’re not just filling your plate. You’re actually reducing belly fat, shielding your heart, and keeping your blood pressure from blowing out the window. No fancy jargon—just science that’s proving time after time that a salad can be the best defense plan.
Bottom Line
Think of quitting smoking and eating well as a duo that teams up to protect your body. When you ditch that puff and swap bacon for a berry smoothie, you’re taking a powerful step toward a healthier, happier life.
Alcohol – The Sneaky Villain Behind Your Waistline & DNA
When you gulp that pint, your body doesn’t just unwind—it trades the drink for a nasty chemical called acetaldehyde. Think of it as a tiny assassin that stalks your DNA, throwing a wrench into the repair crew. And to top it off, it tells the cells, “Go, grow fast!” – a perfect recipe for the kind of rogue mutations that spark cancer.
No “Safe” Level – Cut Back!
- There’s no such thing as a harmless glass – the more you drink, the higher your risk.
- Even a small habit can snowball into serious health issues.
- Bottom line: The less you booze, the less trouble you’ll face.
Move It – Your Body’s Fast Lane
Getting your body on the move does a double duty:
- Speedy digestion: Pulls nasty chemicals out of your system faster.
- Soothe inflammation: Especially in your gut – a big plus for overall health.
- Boosts energy and mood, so you’re not just fit but also feeling good.
Feeling Stuck?
Unsure how to kickstart those lifestyle changes? Give your doctor a call – they’ll steer you in the right direction.
Article reviewed by Dr. Chong Chee Keong, general surgeon at Parkway East Hospital.
