Is Young People at Risk for Colorectal Cancer? [Health & Fitness]
Colorectal cancer has become the most prevalent cancer in Singapore, surpassing lung cancer for men and ranking second for women after breast cancer. Dr. Wong Soong Kuan, a colorectal specialist at The Colorectal Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena, noted that the lifetime incidence of colorectal cancer in Singapore is approximately one in 50 individuals.
Despite the cancer's higher frequency in individuals aged 50 to 70, it can affect younger individuals, with one in 10 colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in those under 50. Colorectal cancer in younger patients often has a genetic component, attributed to conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis, cancer family syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and spontaneous mutations.
Familial adenomatous polyposis involves the entire colon being covered by polyps, increasing the risk of polyps developing into cancer by ages 18 to 30. Lynch syndrome, or cancer family disorder, raises the likelihood of colorectal cancer in one's 30s to mid-40s. Inflammatory bowel disease, although rare in the region, can increase the risk of cancer after prolonged inflammation. Spontaneous mutations are the most common cause of colorectal cancer in young patients.
While such cases are rare, they are often detected late, reducing survival rates. Colorectal cancer typically progresses through stages, making early detection crucial for effective treatment. Symptoms include changes in stool consistency, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, and pain due to the penetration of the gastrointestinal wall.
Dr. Wong emphasized the importance of colonoscopy for those over 50 to detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps before they become cancerous. The procedure can identify abnormalities even before symptoms manifest. Despite its significance, only a fraction of the population in the 50 to 70 age group has undergone colonoscopy.
Screening methods include colonoscopy, annual fecal occult blood testing, and virtual colonoscopy. Dr. Wong suggested that at 50, individuals should consider these screenings, with the choice depending on factors like preferences and medical history. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Despite the cancer's higher frequency in individuals aged 50 to 70, it can affect younger individuals, with one in 10 colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in those under 50. Colorectal cancer in younger patients often has a genetic component, attributed to conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis, cancer family syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and spontaneous mutations.
Familial adenomatous polyposis involves the entire colon being covered by polyps, increasing the risk of polyps developing into cancer by ages 18 to 30. Lynch syndrome, or cancer family disorder, raises the likelihood of colorectal cancer in one's 30s to mid-40s. Inflammatory bowel disease, although rare in the region, can increase the risk of cancer after prolonged inflammation. Spontaneous mutations are the most common cause of colorectal cancer in young patients.
While such cases are rare, they are often detected late, reducing survival rates. Colorectal cancer typically progresses through stages, making early detection crucial for effective treatment. Symptoms include changes in stool consistency, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, and pain due to the penetration of the gastrointestinal wall.
Dr. Wong emphasized the importance of colonoscopy for those over 50 to detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps before they become cancerous. The procedure can identify abnormalities even before symptoms manifest. Despite its significance, only a fraction of the population in the 50 to 70 age group has undergone colonoscopy.
Screening methods include colonoscopy, annual fecal occult blood testing, and virtual colonoscopy. Dr. Wong suggested that at 50, individuals should consider these screenings, with the choice depending on factors like preferences and medical history. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
2024-02-21 07:36
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