WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON FORM OF CANCER IN SINGAPORE?
Colorectal cancer is the most common diagnosed in men and second most common in women after that of breast (cancer).
WHAT ARE ITS SYMPTOMS?
Abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, passing out blood and black stools, anemia, tiredness or weakness and unintentional weight loss.
HOW IS COLORECTAL CANCER TREATED? ANY NEW THERAPIES?
Surgical resection is required for earlier stages if it is determined that surgery can still be beneficial and be performed. Depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be required. For late-stage, which has spread widely to other organs and is not amenable to surgery, the mainstay of treatment is chemotherapy. There are many chemotherapeutic drugs that are useful for treatment and these include some newer molecular targeted agents.
DOES EATING MORE CEREALS HELP IN PREVENTING THIS TYPE OF CANCER?
It is not clear at this time if there is a definite effect of fibers on colorectal cancer prevention and if so, how significant it is. In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and vigilance in watching for the early signs is important. For most people, a screening test for colorectal cancer is recommended starting at the age of 50. This may a include colonoscopy or fecal occult blood test. People with a higher risk, like those with first-degree relatives who have had it before the age of 60, may need to start screening earlier.
WHAT’S IN STORE FOR PATIENTS?
With the continued advancements in molecular genetics, cancer treatment therapies are increasingly becoming more effective and more convenient. Patients can now live high-quality and functional lives, even after a cancer diagnosis.
For more information, visit Novena Cancer Centre. #09-41, 38 Irrawaddy Road. Tel: 6339-0233.
