Colorectal cancer is now the most common cancer in Singapore, and it is a disease that affects both men and women. Statistics from the National Cancer Centre Singapore show that there were about 9,324 cases diagnosed from 2010-2014 locally.
Before you say “But it’s not a problem because I feel perfectly fine”, here’s a harrowing fact you should know: most of the time, early stage colorectal cancer has NO symptoms at all.
So am I at risk?
- Age – Men and women aged 50 years and above have an increased risk.
- Ethnicity – Among the races in Singapore, the Chinese have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
- Sedentary lifestyle and obesity – Particularly prevalent in modern and developed societies such as Singapore, they increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Dietary Habits – Research has found that consumption of meat cooked at high temperatures, animal fat, tobacco and alcohol may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Despite research and studies of these risk factors, the exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown. It is estimated that 50% of colorectal cancer patients have NO known risk factors.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by:
- Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains which contain fibre and antioxidants.
- Limiting fat especially saturated fat from animal sources such as red meat, milk, cheese and ice cream. Do bear in mind that some plant-based “vegetable oil” can also be high in saturated fat.
- Limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking.
- Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Regular screening is also recommended for people aged above 50. There are different types of screening options available; learn more at our upcoming Safeguard Your Health seminar!
SAFEGUARD YOUR HEALTH SEMINAR
Date: 24 September 2016, Saturday
Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Complimentary entry for all registered participants – register today to secure your seat!
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