The Silent Killer In Your Bottom

Many colorectal cancer patients do not show any symptoms until the disease has advanced, hence early detection can mean the difference between life and death.

When one of Dr. Dean Koh’s patients first discovered that he had colon cancer, the disease was already in its advanced stage and had spread to his lungs. This came as a surprise to the patient’s family who remembered him to be physically active and careful with his diet. Dr. Koh, a General Surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, believes that the patient could have avoided colon cancer if he had detected the silent killer early enough through regular screening.

“The lack of awareness of colorectal cancer risk factors is alarming especially in a time when people are so focused on living well and living longer,” says Dr. Koh, who believes testing for colorectal cancer should be an integral part of health check-ups, and anyone over the age of 50 should go for screening colonoscopy. “Once people hit middle age, they tend to be very focused on what’s happening on the outside, particularly visible signs of aging. However, what we really need to be focusing on is what’s happening on the inside,” says Dr. Koh.

Left undetected, advanced colorectal cancer can be difficult to treat. Therefore, early detection of colorectal cancer through screening tests like colonoscopy can make the difference between life and death.

The disease tends to be more prevalent among those aged above 50, lack physical exercise, are obese, or have a diet which is low in fibre and includes high-calorie processed foods and red meat. People in these high-risk groups should go for a colonoscopy to screen for any abnormalities in their colon and rectum.

For patients who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, there is some good news as treatment, including surgery, has advanced significantly. Doctors today are using minimally invasive surgical techniques (using small incisions) to treat a wide range of colorectal problems, resulting in less pain, less injury to tissue, minimal scarring, and less blood loss. “This means that you have a faster recovery time and are able to return to your normal activities in a much shorter timeframe,” commented Dr. Koh.

One of the most important tests you should go for if you are over the age of fifty is a colonoscopy.

With a colonoscopy, a flexible tube is used to look at the internal lining of the colon and rectum and take tissue samples for further testing if required. The entire process usually takes less than 15 minutes and is done under mild sedation.

Patients going in for a colonoscopy are often recommended to do a gastroscopy of the same sitting to screen the intestinal tract for diseases including gastric cancer.

The preparation is the same for a colonoscopy and saves you having to go through the procedure at another time.

• I am older than 50 years.
• I have a family history of colon cancer.
• I have had colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.
• I am a smoker.
• My diet is high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables.
• I do limited physical activity.

If you have ticked any of the above, you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer.

If you are aged 50 and above, you should go for a colonoscopy every five years. Those with a family history of colon cancer should be screened every three years.