Raising awareness to a common, potentially deadly but preventable condition
Today, I will be sharing about a type of cancer which famously took the life of the beloved Marvel actor, Chadwick Boseman at the age of 43.
Colorectal cancer refers to an autonomous growth in the colon or rectum that can metastasize (spread) to other organs like the liver etc. When the condition is termed as cancer, it simply means that the growth of the tumor is no longer under the control of the body and will expand out of the initial organ.
In the case of colorectal cancer, the tumor can grow so large that it causes an obstruction and bleeding. It can also spread via bloodstream to other organs as I mentioned above.
In Singapore, colorectal cancer is the most common diagnosed cancer among men and the 2nd most diagnosed cancer among women in Singapore.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms as mentioned above can seem mundane and be attributed to other common ailments. What’s crucial is getting the symptoms checked to ensure you are cleared as 90% of this cancer starts from a small fleshy growth called colon polyp.
What is a polyp?
A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless. But over time, some colon polyps can develop into colon cancer, which may be fatal when found in its later stages.
Anyone can develop colon polyps. You're at higher risk if you're 50 or older, are overweight or a smoker, or have a personal or family history of colon polyps or colon cancer.
What happens during a screening?
A Health screening called colonoscopy is used to check your colon. Any polyps found during the screening will be removed via a painless procedure. This will ensure that any risk of such polyps developing into cancer will drastically reduce.
Average risk patients with normal colonoscopy test results were 46 percent less likely to develop colon cancer and 88 percent less likely to die of colon cancer when screened at recommended ten-year intervals.
How we can assist you in Health Matters and checkups?
In Wellnex, your well-being is of utmost importance. We want to let users know about the importance of health and screening is an important step of prevention of adverse and serious medical conditions.
Wellnex is partnered with Healthcare Clinics to make screening and checks simply a click away. Our dedicated concierge will help with appointment bookings for a simply fuss free experience!