Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among Singaporeans, overtaking lung cancer with 30.6% of the total population being affected by the condition between the years 2011 to 2015. (REF1) The largest number of citizens who suffer from the disease belonged to those between the ages of 35 to 64, with 18.8% out of 100,000 from 2008 to 2012. (REF3) According to (REF4), within the year 2008 to 2012, colorectal cancer was the most rampant type of cancer occurring in men at 17.5% and 13.6% for women. The term ‘Colorectal’ is composed of the colon and rectum. Colorectal cancer begins from cells on the large intestines and can lead to blood in stools, abdominal cramps and erratic weight loss. (REF2) By being proactive and aware about the state of one’s health, the frequency of colorectal cancer occurring in Singaporeans can be reduced.

Having an unbalanced diet greatly increases the chance of contracting colorectal cancer. Research has shown that people who ingest food products with high-inflammatory values such as red meat, sweet liquids and processed food products had a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer as opposed to those with low-inflammatory diets. (REF5) An individual suffering from obesity may have other health conditions, such as diabetes, which might put them at greater risk of colorectal cancer. Other conditions such as hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, which produces more insulin and sugar in the blood, create a conductive environment for the growth of cancer cells in the colon and rectum. (ref6) A person’s participation in physical activity too is directly linked to the risk level of colorectal cancer. In reference to (ref7), incorporating physical activity into free periods of time during the day lowers the risk of colorectal cancer by 27%, with percentages climbing to 40% to 50% if done over a course of 20 years. Smoking is another colorectal cancer accelerant among the population. In smoking, numerous toxic chemicals including benzene and nitrosamines cause damage to our DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) mixed with DNA repairing inhibitors such as arsenic and nickel. (ref8) In doing so, smoking makes it harder for the body to remove or neutralize toxic agents as well as overall lowering the immune systems. The risk of colorectal cancer escalates with the more a person drinks. (ref9) explains that consuming three or more drinks per day as compared to a light or non-drinker increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer cells by 50%, due to the carcinogen acetaldehyde when alcohol is metabolized.

The use of a colonoscopy to scan and detect colorectal cancer has been the leading method. A colonoscopy grants the doctor access to examine the colon and remove growths known as polyps, which can turn cancerous. However healthcare professionals are beginning to vocally support other non-invasive and cheaper alternatives of colorectal cancer detection in addition to rising costs. Other non-invasive procedures like the FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) are more cost-effective and thoroughly more preferred by patients, although the detection rates pale in comparison to a colonoscopy. (ref10) According to (ref11), due to the rapid change in lifestyles and food consumption, the rate of colorectal cancer among young adults and middle-aged adults has increased exponentially and brings about questions on whether screening should begin before 50 years of age. There has been much controversy on the length of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.