Colorectal cancer, the second most common cancer among women in Singapore, often receives less attention than breast or cervical cancer. Experts highlight a misconception that it's a male disease or affects only older adults.
Early-onset colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 has nearly doubled in 50 years. While still more common in men, there's a worrying uptrend in women under 50.
Lifestyle factors significantly contribute to risk. Processed meats like bacon and ham are classified as carcinogens, increasing risk by about 18% with just 50g daily consumption. Unprocessed red meat is also a concern. Conversely, fibre intake shows protective effects.
Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity and a high BMI, elevates risk for women. Weight gain after age 18 is a stronger factor for early-onset colorectal cancer in women. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity also raise risk.
Some colorectal cancers may be harder to detect in women, particularly right-sided tumours, which tend to cause fewer symptoms and present later. Emerging research suggests potential biological differences in cancer development in women.
Crucially, symptoms like bloating, fatigue, constipation, and changes in bowel habits can be subtle or mistaken for common women's health issues or effects of supplements. Fatigue may be attributed to anaemia, and bloating to hormonal changes or IBS. This can lead to delayed diagnosis, with nearly three in five patients diagnosed at late stages.
Experts advise incorporating colorectal screening into routine preventive health, alongside breast and cervical cancer screening. Screening methods include the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) and colonoscopy. While recommended from age 50 for asymptomatic individuals, those with a family history should start screening from age 40 or earlier.
