2nd Most Common Cancer in Malaysia—Colorectal Cancer
According to World Health Organization, in Malaysia, colorectal cancer being the second most common cancer in men (lung cancer hits the first) and women (breast cancer being the most common cancer) as of 2020.
So what exactly is colorectal cancer?
Colo- (the large intestine, also known as colon), -rectal (the rectum), is the short form of colon and rectum.
Colorectal cancer is the cancer that involves the large intestine and the rectum.
How do you know if you might be having colorectal cancer?
You might be experiencing symptoms like:
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Stomach pain or frequent gas pain
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Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
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Blood in the bowel movements
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Feeling weak, tired, or short of breath
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Low iron level, commonly with anaemia (iron deficiency anaemia)
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Black or dark-coloured stools (meaning your stomach is bleeding)
Why is colorectal cancer so common among Malaysians?
This is probably due to our lifestyle factors, especially diets, which is largely responsible for rise in cancer cases in our country. Besides, colorectal cancer can be inherited. If one of your family members were diagnosed with colorectal cancer before, you are prone to getting one.
Here are some of the myths and facts about colorectal cancer:
|
Myths |
Facts |
|
Colorectal cancer is a man’s disease |
Not at all. In fact, the incidence and death of colorectal cancer are higher in women over 65 years old. |
|
People with colorectal cancer do not have any symptoms |
Most people do not have the symptoms till a later stage, this is why getting regular screening is so important! |
|
Getting colorectal cancer means I am dying! |
The survival rate is much higher in the earlier stages of cancer (5-year relative survival rate of 75.8% in stage 1 and 17.3% in stage 5), hence again emphasizing the importance of regular screening. |
|
Colonoscopy (an exam to detect changes in the colon and rectum) is very unpleasant
|
Prior to the colonoscopy, you will need to avoid vegetables, fruits as well as any food that is high in fibre, and you will also be taking a bowel-cleansing solution in order to clear your colon. During the procedure, you will be sedated so that you won’t feel pain, and the whole procedure only takes 15-30 minutes, after that you may resume normal activities. |
All in all
Colorectal cancer can be fatal. Therefore it is important to get regular medical checkups, especially if the cancer is in the family history, so that the signs and symptoms of the cancer can be detected earlier (if there is any), and treatment will be given accordingly, thereby increasing the survival rate. Another important thing in order to reduce the risk of getting colorectal cancer is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Medically reviewed by Ashwini Nair, MB BCh BAO.
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References:
1. Kim SE, Paik HY, Yoon H, Lee JE, Kim N, Sung MK. Sex- and gender-specific disparities in colorectal cancer risk. World J Gastroenterol WJG. 2015;21(17):5167-5175. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i17.5167
2. What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer? | CDC. Published February 16, 2021. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/symptoms.htm
3. Patient education: Colon and rectal cancer (The Basics) - UpToDate. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://www-uptodate-com.ezp2.imu.edu.my/contents/colon-and-rectal-cancer-the-basics?search=colorectal%20cancer&topicRef=2496&source=see_link#H454757641
4. Family Health History of Colorectal (Colon) Cancer | CDC. Published April 1, 2020. Accessed February 22, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/colorectal_cancer/family_history_coloretal.htm
