This article was reviewed by Dr Henry Tan Chor Lip.
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, has become the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Malaysia. Given this serious health threat, it’s crucial to understand the risks, learn how to prevent it, and know what to do if you are diagnosed. This comprehensive guide provides you with all the necessary information, from prevention to treatment.
An Analysis of Colorectal Cancer in Malaysia
According to data from the Malaysian National Cancer Registry, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Malaysian men and the second most common in women. Despite growing public health awareness, its incidence continues to rise across the country, particularly in urban areas.
Why is Colorectal Cancer So Prevalent?
The rise in colorectal cancer is closely linked to changes in modern lifestyles and dietary habits. The main reasons for its increasing incidence include:
- Unhealthy Diet: A long-term diet high in fat and low in fibre, especially one rich in red and processed meats, significantly increases your cancer risk.
- Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle slows down bowel movement, increasing the time that toxins are in contact with the bowel wall.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including bowel cancer.
- Smoking and Alcohol: These habits are not only associated with lung cancer but have also been proven to increase the risk of developing bowel cancer.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Fortunately, colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be effectively prevented through lifestyle changes and regular screenings.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reduce your consumption of processed foods and red meat. Maintain a regular exercise routine, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.
- Weight Management: Keep a healthy weight to avoid obesity.
- Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Giving up these habits will not only lower your risk of colorectal cancer but also improve your overall health.
Colonoscopy: The Gold Standard for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Regular screening is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard by the medical community because it not only detects polyps and early-stage cancer but can also remove them during the procedure itself, effectively stopping the progression from a polyp to cancer. It is recommended that people over the age of 50 have regular colonoscopies.
Expert Advice from Dr Henry Tan
“As a general surgeon, I understand the fear and uncertainty a patient experiences when they hear a diagnosis of “colorectal cancer.” However, I want to reassure everyone that with modern medicine, colorectal cancer is not a life sentence. Early detection and treatment can lead to a very high cure rate. Treatment plans are tailored to the specific stage, size, and location of the cancer.”
If I Am Diagnosed With Cancer, What Are My Options?
Early Stage: Surgery is the First Choice. In the early stages, if the cancer cells are confined to the bowel wall, the treatment of choice is typically surgery. The primary goal is to completely remove the tumour and any surrounding tissues that may be affected. For early-stage colorectal cancer, surgery is often the only treatment required and has a very high success rate.
Middle Stage: Combined Therapy for a Clean Bill of Health. When the cancer has progressed to a middle stage, meaning it may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, doctors may implement a more proactive, combined treatment plan. This typically involves:
- Surgical Resection: The complete removal of the tumour and its surrounding lymph nodes.
- Adjuvant Therapy: Following surgery, doctors may recommend chemotherapy or radiotherapy depending on the specific case. These treatments aim to ‘clean up’ and eliminate any microscopic cancer cells that may remain in the body, which minimises the risk of recurrence.
Regardless of the stage, the most crucial step is to build trust with your medical team and actively cooperate with your treatment plan. The most important action you can take is not to delay. Face it bravely and seek professional help.
Colorectal cancer is not a death sentence; early detection and treatment are the keys to beating it.
Sources:
- National Library of Medicine, Incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer in Malaysia
The information provided in the article is intended solely for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional if you are feeling unwell or have any medical concerns.
This article was reviewed by Dr Henry Tan Chor Lip.
Dr Henry Tan Chor Lip is a resident consultant general surgeon at KPJ Bandar Dato’ Onn Specialist Hospital in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. He specialises in gastrointestinal endoscopy and has extensive experience in the screening and early diagnosis of gastric and colorectal cancers. With more than a decade of clinical experience in various government hospitals in Malaysia, Dr Tan served numerous local and international patients, including those from the UK, Australia, and Singapore, before moving into private practice. His professional expertise also includes early detection and surgery for breast cancer, as well as laser haemorrhoidectomy.
Disclaimer: 365Asia aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information, our contents do not constitute medical or any professional advice. If medical advice is required, please consult a licensed healthcare professional. Patient stories are for general reading. They are based on third-party information and have not been independently verified.