Global Health Asia-Pacific Issue 5 | 2022 Issue 5 | 2022 | Page 3

What to know about Colorectal Cancer ?

Dr Ragu Ramasamy , Colorectal Cancer Surgeon Avisena Specialist Hospital
Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in both men and women worldwide and it is the second most common cancer in Malaysia . According to the Malaysia Cancer National Registry Report ( 2012-2016 ), 60 % – 65 % of cancers are diagnosed at a late stage . Colorectal cancer is one of the cancers which can be detected early through screening and if it is detected early , it can often be cured . Most colorectal cancers begin as non-cancerous growths or polyps , however , overtime the polyps can become colon cancer . Colonic polyps can be identified and removed during colonoscopy ( polypectomy ), preventing polyps from becoming colon cancer .
Who is at risk ?
> 50 years old
Chronic disease , including type 2 diabetes or obesity
Family history of colorectal cancer
History of colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
What are the early symptoms you should look out for ?
Persistent change in bowel habits
Narrowed stools
Bleeding from bottom / blood in your stool
Persistent weakness
Unhealthy lifestyle – low fibre / high fat diet , smoking , drinking alcohol , sedentary lifestyle .
Persistent abdominal or fatigue discomfort
“ Early symptoms are never early enough ”
– Dr . Ragu Ramasamy
Unexplained weight loss
Screening It is best to get your colon screen when you reach the age of 50 . The types of screening include :
a . Faecal occult blood testing ( FOBT ) A test to check stool ( solid waste ) for blood that can be seen only with a microscope . b . Colonoscopy A procedure to look inside the rectum and entire colon for polyps , abnormal areas , or cancer , and remove any abnormal tissues .
“ Evidence is emerging that the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in young adults ”
– Dr . Ragu Ramasamy
To find out more information on Colorectal Cancer , kindly contact us at + 603-5515 1888
Avisena Specialist Hospital
SPECIALIST HOSPITAL