| | Colorectal Cancer | | |
| | Apr 28th - Sep 12th 2011 | |
| | (1st May to 31st May)
Colorectal cancer is now the commonest cancer in Singapore. It affects males and females alike. Most persons diagnosed with colorectal cancer are older than 45 years of age.
Common symptoms persons have, are a change in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation or a change in the frequency of stools. Passing blood mixed with stools is also suspicious sign which always need prompt medical attention. Other symptoms include persistent ill-defined abdominal discomfort or pain.
If you have any questions on colorectal cancer, feel free to post your question online.
Hosted by
Dr.Choo Su Pin
Registrar
Medical Oncology
National Cancer Centre Singapore
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Posted by angeline wong | Dear Dr. Choo,
I am 50 years old. I had minor bleeding on the anal area for the past 6 months after each bowel movement. In recent 2 weeks, I have been passing blood mixed with stool. I do not have any pains but have increased frequency of bowel to twice or three times per day instead of once daily. Is this a sign of colorectal cancer? |
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Answered by | | Change in bowel habit and blood mixed with stools are possible symptoms of colorectal cancer. Further investigations such as a colonoscopy should be done.
Answered by
Dr.Choo Su Pin
Registrar
Medical Oncology
National Cancer Centre Singapore
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Posted by anggielow | Dear Dr Choo
I'm in my 30s. I have persistent lower abdominal pain & abdominal bloatedness. I don't really keep track of my bowel movment but I don't have the urge to move my bowel very often. Docs say is just chronic constipation. I've been taking large doses of laxative. Lately, sometimes I just pass out gust of water with no/little small bits of stools, sometimes i notice bits of undigested food as well.
Is it a sign that my intestine & colon are starting to stop working properly (due to the taking of laxative)? Are there any treatment? Is there any surgerial option to rid/cure the chronic constipation. I don't wish to have to keep take laxative just to have a bowel movement. Can chronic constipation lead to colorectal cancer?
Angie |
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Answered by | It is unlikely for someone of your age to have colorectal cancer without any family history of the disease.
Nevertheless, if you have noticed a change in your bowel habits recently, it might be wise to seek the opinion of a gastroenterologist. And no, chronic constipation does not lead to colorectal cancer but it can be a sign of cancer.
Answered by
Dr.Choo Su Pin
Registrar
Medical Oncology
National Cancer Centre Singapore
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Posted by sonflower | Dear Dr. Choo
My sister in law was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Oncologist advised her to do chemo for life, as her lungs was affected. I was shocked as, I have not heard that a person needs to do chemo for life. I would appreciated it if you could advise how should we take care of her during her chemo treatment and also more information on chemo for life....many thanks
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Answered by | Stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to the lungs is usually not curable. In this case, we give chemotherapy to control the cancer’s growth and prolong the patient’s lifespan. This means that the treatment may go on for a long time as long as the chemotherapy is controlling the cancer and the patient is tolerating the chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is usually stopped when it no longer has an effect on the cancer’s growth, or when the patient has become too weak for treatment because of progression of the cancer or side effects.
During chemotherapy, a patient can become very tired both physically and emotionally. You can help by providing emotional support such as accompanying her for treatment. She should be encouraged to lead a normal, healthy lifestyle which includes eating a nutritious diet, doing light exercise, and having adequate rest.
Answered by
Dr.Choo Su Pin
Registrar
Medical Oncology
National Cancer Centre Singapore
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