WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NO. 1 CANCER IN SINGAPORE.

One out of 50 people will develop colorectal cancer in his lifetime, of which 5% will have a very definite hereditary history while another 15% may have a family history of colorectal cancer only. However, 80% of patients do not have a family history of colorectal cancer.

A diet high in meat and low in fibre is widely thought to play a part in contributing to the disease. Studies show that this is not necessarily so. However, chemicals such as benzene, azoxymethane and dimethyl- hydrazine, all commonly used in various industries and even in modern households, are known to be cancer-causing agents. Pesticides are also of concern.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GET SCREENED?

You need to consult a doctor if you are about middle age or older and your bowel habits have changed within the last two months — with the change being persistent. Younger people with a family history of bowel cancer or with inflammatory bowel conditions must also be more aware of changes in their bowel habits.

The most important symptoms are bleeding and a change in the frequency of defecation. Loose, diarrhoea-like stools are usually more serious than hard constipated stools. A persistent feeling of still having stools in spite of just having had a bowel movement is another red flag. Colicky abdominal pain that becomes more painful with meals and associated with increasing abdominal distension is also a major symptom. Another sign to look out for is unexplained weight loss.

If caught early, surgery alone offers a 100% cure rate. Even in advanced cases, the extended use of radical surgery and new chemotherapeutic agents and treatments have markedly improved the previously dismal cure rate of 5%.