MELISSA TEO SURGERY &
THE SURGICAL ONCOLOGY CLINIC
Colon Cancer Treatment Options in Singapore
Colorectal cancer is the cancer of the large intestine, which includes the colon (the long part of the large intestine), and the rectum (the last few inches of the large intestine before the anus). Colorectal cancer is also known as colon cancer, rectal cancer, and bowel cancer.
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It is the most common cancer in Singapore (Singapore Cancer Registry Interim Annual Report, Trends in Cancer Incidence in Singapore, 2010 – 2014, National Registry of Diseases Office) with a good prognosis if detected and treated early. It usually begins as a tissue growth, called a polyp, that grows and changes with time. Polyps are usually harmless and do not cause any symptoms when they are small, but over time they may cause problems of bleeding, obstruction and become cancerous. Detection and removal of polyps through colonoscopy may prevent the development of colorectal cancer.
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Colorectal cancer survival rates have increased over the past 15 years with early diagnosis, as well as improved and less invasive multidisciplinary treatment.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE?
If you experience changes in your bowel habits and /or symptoms, like blood in stools, diarrhoea or constipation that does not go away, it is advisable for you to undergo investigations of these symptoms.
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There are various methods of evaluating the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy allows both the detection of any abnormality within the colon and rectum, and also enables the removal of polyps at the same sitting.
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Individuals who do not have any symptoms but have a family history of colorectal or other cancers or one who is above 50 years of age are encouraged to be screened for colorectal cancer.
WHAT CAUSES IT TO OCCUR?
Colorectal cancer, like other cancers, cannot be fully explained about its origins. Cancer is the mutation of normal cells and tissue. However, colorectal cancer can be hereditary - hence, if you do have a family history of colorectal cancer or any cancer in general, it is best to get health screenings done early.
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT IT/ IS IT PREVENTABLE?
Cancer is not preventable, but there can be some measures to take to aid in minimising the chances of having colorectal cancer. The best way would be to do a colonoscopy which looks at your colon and rectum, and allows the doctor to remove any polyps which stunts the growth and possibility of it turning into cancer.
IS IT COMMON?
Yes, colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Singapore and in the world.
TREATMENT
Treatment for colorectal cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer. If it is diagnosed early, measures can be taken to attempt to stop it from spreading to other parts of your body. Some measures include surgeries to remove the tumour and the affected portions of the colon, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and others.
At Melissa Teo Surgery and The Surgical Oncology Clinic, your colorectal cancer treatment is personalised to provide the best outcomes. We offer treatments for colorectal cancer, including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. In all cases, we strive for surgical excellence with complete tumour clearance and low post-surgical complication rates. Additionally, we have special expertise and experience in treating advanced colorectal cancer. This includes advanced primary and recurrent tumours requiring resection of multiple involved organs, as well as peritoneal disease with the use of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS and HIPEC).