Colorectal cancer is the top 3 leading cancer-related death in Singapore. It is the most common type of cancer seen in men and the second most common type of cancer seen in women in the country. Routine screening will promise early detection and a higher likelihood of recovery.
Colorectal cancer, also interchangeably referred to as colon cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon (the large intestine) and the rectum (the connection tube of the colon and anus). Colorectal cancer takes years to develop. Prior to the manifestation of cancer, a non-cancerous polyp may grow over the inner lining of the affected intestine.
During the initial phase of colorectal cancer, the cancer cells grow within the colonic lining wall. Over time, the cancer cells will spread and invade nearby tissues, intestines, or lymph nodes. The cancer cells may also travel to nearby organs via the adjacent bloodstream and lymphatic drainage causing secondary cancer cell deposition (also known as ‘metastasis’). Colorectal cancers have the tendency of spreading to other organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain, in a process often referred to as distant metastasis.
Very much like other types of cancer, it is still unclear what exactly causes colorectal cancer. Fundamentally, colorectal cancer occurs due to a genetic mutation in one’s DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) subsequently causing the proliferation of cells. However, it is worth noting that there are certain risk factors that can increase your probability of developing colorectal cancer.
Patients with colorectal cancer may have insidious (not obvious or noticeable) symptoms during the early stages. Symptoms may also vary depending on the exact site of cancer development.
As colorectal cancer progresses one may present with:
Colorectal pain can be painful and is either often or recurring. It is important to remember that pain is not a state that is normal to the human body, so being proactive and aware is vital in obtaining a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. These pain may manifest as pain caused by gassiness, pain on the rectum when sitting, pain accompanied by bleeding when defecating, or excruciating and sudden abdominal pain.
Sexual Health Screening
STD screening tests generally involve blood tests, swab tests and urine tests.
Dr Ben Medical offers STD screening for commonly sexually transmitting conditions such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, warts, herpes, HIV, Syphilis and other more – highlighted comprehensively in our packages.
We also offer long term sexual health care and services:
There are several factors that increase a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer, these are:
Genetics: genetic conditions such as Lynch Syndrome, and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) increases an individuals risk of developing colon cancer.
There are a variety of tests that you may be required to undergo depending on your condition and severity. It is important that a thorough screening approach for individuals of all ages is taken to prevent the event of undetected cancer probabilities.
Sexual Health Screening
STD screening tests generally involve blood tests, swab tests and urine tests.
Dr Ben Medical offers STD screening for commonly sexually transmitting conditions such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, warts, herpes, HIV, Syphilis and other more – highlighted comprehensively in our packages.
We also offer long term sexual health care and services:
If suspected of colorectal cancer during screening, you will be referred to a specialist. Colorectal cancer patients are managed by a multidisciplinary medical team of doctors including gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, oncologists (both radiation oncologist and medical oncologist), nurse practitioners, nutritionists, and other health professionals depending on the individual’s condition.
Treatment of colorectal cancer varies depending on the cancer stage. These may include surgery, radiofrequency ablation, cryosurgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted gene therapy, and immunotherapy. The treatment goal (curative or palliative) should be discussed with your doctor. The potential side effects of the treatment should also be discussed so that you can make an informed decision to suit your needs.
Monogamy suggests the practice of staying with the same sexual/romantic partner; in other words, a monogamous relationship involves being sexually and romantically exclusive to a single partner.
A major component of health screening involves cancer screening.
Health screening allows screening for potential health conditions
In a healthy menstrual cycle, the reproductive hormones induce the ovaries to make the egg and release it every month.
Ovarian cancer, the 5th most common cancer among women in Singapore
Cervical Cancer Screening is essential in detecting early cancerous changes and cancer cells in the cervix.
In Singapore, Prostate Cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in men, after colorectal and lung cancer.
General health screening is recommended for individuals of all ages, but the frequency and type of screening may vary depending on age, gender, and medical history.
