Let’s be honest. Not everyone of us go through regular medical checkups each year. For some, if not most, we only step inside the doctor’s clinic when we are exhibiting symptoms or are already suffering from some kind of sickness. Hence, at times some diseases are discovered late. This is true for cancer. If your family has a medical history of cancer, it is recommended that you undergo cancer screening in Singapore as early as possible.
Cancer is one of the leading diseases that cause death all around the world. In Singapore, one study showed that a certain kind of cancer has been affecting Singaporeans and the incidence has been increasing for the past four decades. This fatal disease is Colorectal Cancer.
Colorectal cancer starts as tiny abnormal growths in the colon called polyps. These small lumps of cells are usually benign, but they can develop into cancer over time. Often times, the presence of polyps in the colon go undetected as they seldom show any symptoms.
Just like polyps, the early stages of colorectal cancer may show few or no signs at all. Because of this, some patients’ cancer may already be at an advanced stage once diagnosed. The symptoms of colorectal cancer are:
- Bloating
- Blood in the stool
- Changes in bowel consistency
- Changes in bowel habits
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Unintentional and unexplained weight loss
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms and you are anxious about your health, immediately consult with a medical expert. If the doctor perceives that these are indicators of cancer, then you may be advised to undergo colorectal cancer screening.
Colorectal cancer has four stages:
- Stage 1 – The cancer is found developing in the intestine’s lining, but have not penetrated through the lymph nodes near the area or in the muscular coat.
- Stage 2 – This stage is further categorized into three: first, Stage 2A, where the cancer is present in the colon’s wall; Stage 2B, the cancer spreads through the muscle layers of the colon; and lastly, Stage 2C, the surrounding tissue are affected by cancer, although the lymph nodes are still free from any cancer growths.
- Stage 3 – The cancer affects the lymph nodes and the cancer is diagnosed in an advanced state.
- Stage 4 – Cancer has metastasized or spread to other organs of the body like the lungs or liver. This stage is also identified in three stages: Stage 4A, where the cancer has reached lymph nodes and an organ that are far from the colon. Stage 4B happens when the cancer further spreads to more organs and lymph nodes significantly far away from the colon. Stage 4C is characterized by cancer that has reached multiple organs, lymph nodes and impacted the abdominal tissue.
What is colorectal cancer screening?
Screening for colorectal cancer increases the chance of detecting the presence of cancer in its initial stage. Treatment interventions done during this time lowers your risk of succumbing to this disease. While it colorectal cancer screening is generally recommended for adults who reach the age of 45, getting tested for polyps at an earlier age is highly prescribed for people whose risk of developing this type of cancer.
There are various tests that can be done to diagnose colorectal cancer. The most common are:
- Colonoscopy
- CT Colonoscopy (virtual colonoscopy)
- Double contrast barium enema
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- Fecal DNA test
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
Prior to undergoing these test, your doctor may do routine screening examinations to diagnose your symptoms, such as:
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
- Diagnostic colonoscopy
- Imaging tests
- Proctoscopy
Who should undergo colorectal cancer screening?
Colorectal cancer can affect anyone. However, the risks are higher for some people. It is recommended that adults over the age of 45 undergo their first colorectal cancer screening to get checked for polyps or any abnormality in the colon. Individuals with increased risk of developing colorectal cancer should get checked earlier in life. Your risk of getting colorectal cancer is greater if:
- Your age is over 45 years old
- You have been diagnosed with other medical conditions like other forms of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 disease, etc.
- You have a family history of colorectal cancer
- You practice an unhealthy lifestyle, such as drinking alcohol excessively, using tobacco, not getting any exercise, consuming little to no fruit and vegetables
- You are overweight or obese
How to prepare for colorectal cancer screening?
The procedure for diagnostic screening of colorectal cancer is called colonoscopy. This procedure entails the use of a colonoscope, which is a medical tool that is made up of a long thin and flexible tube that has a tiny camera and light attached to one end.
To prepare for a colonoscopy session, your entire colon must be empty so the colonoscope can easily pass through and take clear images of the condition of your large intestine. Your doctor will prescribe laxatives and tell you to fast from food prior to your scheduled procedure.
Here are tips that you can follow to prepare for your colonoscopy:
Tip 1: Get clear instructions from your doctor about preparations
Your doctor will give you instructions on what to do to prepare for your colonoscopy once a date is set. Familiarize yourself on what to do and ask your doctor about anything that you find confusing in the instructions.
Tip 2: Plan out your activities
Once you have a date for your colonoscopy, arrange your schedule ahead of time. You will need someone to accompany you on the day of the procedure, so be sure to find a person that can go with you to the clinic or hospital for your colonoscopy. It is also best not to schedule any major event before and after the procedure so you may be able to fast from food a day before and rest after the colonoscopy is done.
Tip 3: Make adjustments to your diet
Schedule a trip to the grocery before your colonoscopy and stock up on low-fiber food and drinks that you can consume before the procedure. Food that are low in fiber are easily digested and released as waste by the body. Some food to add on your grocery list are:
- White bread
- Broths
- Chicken
- Egg
- Fish
- Fruit without seeds or skin
- Juices
- Pasta
- Rice
- Sports drinks
Tip 4: Go on a fast
Skip eating solid food a day prior to your procedure. Stick to clear broths and drinks lots of liquids. Be sure that anything that you eat or drink does not have any coloring, especially blue, purple, or red. These can stain the lining of the colon and make it difficult for the doctor to make a proper diagnosis of your large intestines’ condition.
Tip 5: Take your laxatives
Follow your doctor’s instructions on when to take your laxatives. This is usually done on the night before your colonoscopy. Expect that you will make several trips to the toilet as the laxatives will give you diarrhea. You may experience discomfort during this time, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and light-headedness.