Colonoscopy

Colorectal Cancer Colorectal (colon and rectum) cancer was the second most common cancer after breast and the first among males and second among females in Peninsular Malaysia (National Cancer Registry Report 2006). Its incidence increases with age; and more common among males and highest among the Chinese population.
	Symptoms & Signs People with colorectal cancer may complain of diarrhoea or constipation or feeling incomplete emptying or passing blood in the stools. Some may experience abdominal pain or discomfort while some may feel tired or experience an unexplained loss of weight and appetite.
RISK Factor Several risk factors are thought to be involved. These include: • Age: More than 90 per cent of the colorectal cancer cases in Malaysia occur in people over the age of 40. • Polyps: Most colorectal cancer begins in polyps. Certain types of polyps can develop into cancer. • Family history: People whose family members have colorectal cancer have a higher risk of developing this disease. • Personal history of cancer: Women who have had cancer of the ovary, uterus or breast are more likely to develop colorectal cancer. • Diet: A diet high in fat and low in fibre is linked to the development of the disease. • Tobacco: smoking increases the risk of polyp formation • Body weight and physical activity: People with sedentary lifestyles, overweight or obese have increased risk of colorectal cancer.

If you have any of the above symptoms or risk factors, please consult your doctor. Your doctor may recommend performing a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. These procedures allow your doctor to examine the large intestine. Blood tests and other imaging tests may also be advised.