Colorectal cancer results
from the abnormal growth of the cells of the colon
and rectum. These cancer cells continue to grow and
can spread to other parts of the body.
Colorectal cancer is a
common cancer type in Hong Kong. It is the second commonest
cancer in men in terms of number of new cases. The older you get, the higher is the
chance of having this cancer, especially if you are
older than 50.
What causes it?
The major risk factors
of colorectal cancer include:
Diet that is high in animal fat and low in fibre
(fruit and vegetables)
Low level of physical activity
A family history of colorectal cancer or some
hereditary colon disorder
A long history of inflammation of the colon,
called ulcerative colitis
History of colon polyps
A diet high in animal fat and low in fibre, coupled with lack of physical activity, will increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
What
are the common symptoms?
Common signs and symptoms
of colorectal cancer include:
Blood (either bright red or very dark) or large
amount of mucus in the stool
A change of bowel habits such as loose stool
or constipation
Persistent urge after passing stool
Abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating,
fullness, or cramps)
Weight loss with no known reason
These symptoms may be caused
by conditions other than colorectal cancer. It is
important to check with a doctor.
How
can I prevent it?
What you eat is important.
Certainly adopting a healthy lifestyle minimizes the
risk of getting colorectal cancer. This means you
have to eat lots of fruit, vegetables, grains and
cereals, but not much meat and animal fat.
You should also keep active
physically, have sensible drinking pattern, and quit
smoking.
If you have family history
of colorectal cancer, consult your doctor on this
for the necessity of genetic or endoscopic screening.
What should I do if
I have suspicious symptoms?
If you notice any symptoms
as described above, you should consult a doctor immediately.
For suspected cases, the
doctor may carry out some investigations. These include
rectal examination, blood tests, stool tests, x-rays
and procedures to obtain tissue samples for laboratory
examination.
What
is the treatment?
Treatment for colorectal
cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy (use of anti-cancer
drugs), or radiotherapy (use of x-rays to target and
kill cancer cells), alone or in combination. The doctor
will recommend the optimal treatment depending on
the type of colorectal cancer, its size and location,
along with the extent to which it affects the patient's
life, and the presence of any other medical conditions.
How can I help myself?
If you have a diagnosis of colorectal
cancer, there are many things you can do to cope better
and to improve your quality of life, including:
Understand your illness and its treatment.
Talk to someone (your partner, a friend or counselor)
how you feel.
Learn how to cooperate with the people involved with
your care, including the health professionals, your family
and friends.
Take part in support groups to boost the ability to
self-care and to obtain mutual support.
Eat properly and have a diet as instructed by the dietitian.
Exercise regularly under medical supervision.
Avoid stress, learn relaxation techniques and do things
that you can enjoy.
If you have any suspicions, you
should seek medical advice.
Balanced Diet
Men's Health Day
The symptoms of colorectal cancer are similar to certain other diseases. It is important to check with a doctor if you have any discomfort.
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