According to Globocan 2022, colorectal cancer is the 4th most common cancer in Vietnam, with nearly 17,000 new cases, a number that continues to rise annually. The 5-year survival rate is only about 14%.
Dr. Zee Ying Kiat, a medical oncologist at Parkway Hospitals Singapore, points out five common misconceptions about this disease.
It's a man's disease. This is incorrect; colorectal cancer can affect both men and women. In fact, it's the second most common cause of cancer death in women in Singapore.
Age doesn't matter. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Most cases in Singapore and globally are diagnosed in people 50 and older, both men and women.
Screening is only necessary for those with a family history. Many believe only those with a family history of the disease need screening. This is not the case. "Because the disease often has no symptoms in the early stages, recommended screenings should be done to detect cancer, regardless of family history," explains Dr. Zee Ying Kiat.
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A doctor explains the causes of colorectal cancer. Photo: Pexels |
A doctor explains the causes of colorectal cancer. Photo: Pexels
Colorectal cancer is not preventable. This is false. Colorectal cancer is preventable through regular screening. It often develops from precancerous polyps (growths on the lining of the colon and rectum). Proper screening can detect and remove these polyps before they become cancerous.
Several screening methods exist: A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) can detect small amounts of blood. A colonoscopy allows doctors to examine the rectum and entire colon with a long, lighted tube (colonoscope). A virtual colonoscopy uses special X-ray equipment to create detailed images that can reveal polyps and other abnormalities.
Doctors from Parkway Cancer Centre Singapore recommend a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, daily exercise, quitting smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption.
Colorectal cancer is incurable. Like many other cancers, colorectal cancer is treatable when detected early. Over 90% of those diagnosed can live for another 5 years if treated in the early stages. "Unfortunately, only about one-third of all colorectal cancer cases are detected early. Therefore, regular screening is crucial as it can help diagnose the disease early, increasing the chances of successful treatment," says Dr. Zee Ying Kiat.
Parkway Hospitals Singapore publishes a monthly community publication, Healthnews, providing more information on cancer, its causes, and treatments.
Dong Ve
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Parkway Hospitals Singapore is offering free consultations for lung, esophageal, stomach, colon, rectal, kidney, bladder, liver, gallbladder, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Dr. Zee Ying Kiat, a medical oncologist, will answer all questions.
See details and register at the representative office at Room 311, 3rd Floor, Block B, 181 Cao Thang, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
Telephone: (84) 28 3636 5991 - 028 3636 5994
Hotline: 0983 949 702
Email: hochiminh.vn@ihhhealthcare.com
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/canhopehochiminh
