Preventing Colorectal Cancer

World Cancer Day is designated on February 4 every year. It helps highlight the importance of cancer as a health issue. The theme this year is "Today's Children, Tomorrow's World" and aims to spread the message of preventing cancer in adults by focusing on healthy lifestyle behaviour and appropriate vaccination during childhood. This serves to remind us of the fact that many cancers are related to unhealthy lifestyle and are thus preventable. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, 43% of all cancer cases can be prevented.

In Hong Kong, cancer remains the number one killer disease. Among all cancers, colorectal cancer is one of the most common and preventable cancers. In 2004, it was the second most common cancer, with 1 996 new cases; and ranked the third in terms of death rate, resulting in 853 deaths among Hong Kong men.

A study on colon cancer by the Chinese University of Hong Kong showed that

• Hong Kong men aged over 50 are at high risk of having colon cancer
• About 30% of those surveyed did not know anything about its symptoms
• About 70% of them did not know anything about its risk factors

Knowing more about colorectal cancer will help its prevention and early diagnosis.

Common risk factors:

• A long history of ulcerative colitis or history of colon polyps
• Family history of colorectal cancer, colon polyps or some hereditary colon disorder
• Consumption of red meat and processed meat, and diets low in fibre
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity

Common symptoms:

• Blood or large amount of mucus in the stool
• Changes in bowel habits such as continuous diarrhoea or constipation
• Persistent urge after passing stool
• Abdominal discomfort
• Weight loss with no apparent reason

Please note that these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than colorectal cancer. Consult a doctor when in doubt.

You can lower your risk of getting colorectal cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle:

• Eating more fruit, vegetables, grains and cereals, and less red meat and processed meat
• Regular and adequate exercise
• Weight control

If you are at increased risk because of your family and genetic history, consult your family doctor for further advice.

(Last Updated on 01-02-2007)