Prevention and Early Detection of

Colon and Rectal Cancer

By Dr. Bernard Chan, Consultant General Surgeon, Hospital Pantai Utara

            The colon and rectum form the last part of the digestive system. Stool collects in the sigmoid colon before going down to the rectum and is passed out through the anus. Cancers growing from the colon and rectum are collectively called colorectal cancer. They behave in similar ways.

Colorectal adenocarcinoma arises from the inner lining (mucosa) of the colon and rectum. They grow outward through the wall and then spreads to the lymph nodes, liver and lungs, as well as other abdominal organs. When colorectal cancer has spread, the chance of cure is poor. The best chance for successful treatment is provided if early detection of cancer is made. Of course, prevention is the best medicine.

Early symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

1. Passing blood in the motion.

2. Passing mucus (sticky fluid) in the motion.

3. Change in bowel habit, e.g. recently changed to constipation or loose motion for a few weeks to a few months.

4. Abdominal bloating or discomfort of unexplained cause.

For any person with such symptoms, particularly new onset at the age of 40 years and above, colorectal cancer should be one of the diagnosis to consider seriously. Colonoscopy is the method of choice for investigating for colorectal cancer.

However, even before symptoms appear, there are screening methods to identify individuals with cancer or conditions that can lead to cancer. These are some of the proven methods of screening for the population:

1. Faecal occult blood test (a test to look for blood in the motion) every year.

2. Sigmoidoscopy (a short colonoscope) or contrast-enhanced X-rays every 5 years.

3. Colonoscopy every 10 years starting at the age of 50 years.

The importance of screening is that colorectal cancer can be treated well if diagnosed early and colorectal cancers can even be prevented by removal of polyps before they turn into cancer. It is a known fact that 80% of colorectal cancers arise from polyps before they turn cancerous. Therefore, catching polyps early can prevent colorectal cancers.

What else can you do to prevent colorectal cancer?

1. Maintain a healthy weight

2. Have an active lifestyle

3. Eat a diet high in fibre

4. Taking just enough calories for the activities of the day

You can beat cancer! Be pro-active!