More younger adults diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer in Singapore

[coyote]

eating now

Ha...ha...ha...

 

[Sango123]

i heard endoscopy is worst and cause more discomfort compared to colonoscopy

It used to be very bad. The tube was inserted into your throat when you are totally awake. You feel like vomiting constantly and the doctor keep pushing the tube in....

Now really dont feel a thing, fully sedated and wake up few hours later.... feeling super hungry lol

That's why I said you can be the golden example of how modern medicinal advancement prolonged life!

I have gastric and gases issue with my stomach once in a blue moon and it has been decades like that. So, in my r cent colonoscopy, I asked to include gastroscopy as well. Immediately the nurses and doctors interviewed me on my request. They said the reason for colonoscopy is because patients have absolutely no symptoms untill it is at the end staged. Cancer in stomach however have symptoms and thus usually detected early. That's why gastroscopy is not usually recommended unless patients exhibit symptoms.

I'm thankful I went through both and doctor did not find any polyps. And come to think of it, I am over 50 and I only heard of this polyps thing probably in the last 10+ years. So, we as the indeed lucky with all these medical advancement at our disposals.

Good for you!!! I am turning 50 next year but my stomach health definitely not as good as you.

From AI

Stomach cancer is often detected late because early symptoms are often subtle or absent, and can be mistaken for other less serious conditions, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment

My mum got stomach cancer twice at age 45 and 64, both stage 3 when discovered

 

[coyote]

It used to be very bad. The tube was inserted into your throat when you are totally awake. You feel like vomiting constantly and the doctor keep pushing the tube in....

Now really dont feel a thing, fully sedated and wake up few hours later.... feeling super hungry lol



Good for you!!! I am turning 50 next year but my stomach health definitely not as good as you.

From AI

Stomach cancer is often detected late because early symptoms are often subtle or absent, and can be mistaken for other less serious conditions, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment

My mum got stomach cancer twice at age 45 and 64, both stage 3 when discovered

Well, I was told by my doctor. So I guess I have to trust their words better than AI.

 

[coyote]

It used to be very bad. The tube was inserted into your throat when you are totally awake. You feel like vomiting constantly and the doctor keep pushing the tube in....

Now really dont feel a thing, fully sedated and wake up few hours later.... feeling super hungry lol



Good for you!!! I am turning 50 next year but my stomach health definitely not as good as you.

From AI

Stomach cancer is often detected late because early symptoms are often subtle or absent, and can be mistaken for other less serious conditions, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment

My mum got stomach cancer twice at age 45 and 64, both stage 3 when discovered

Good for you too! We are the benefitors of modern medicinal advancement plus a comprehensive and affordable healthcare system of Singapore.

 

[KPO_SAHM]

https://www.straitstimes.com/life/m...th-early-onset-colorectal-cancer-in-singapore

Mr Ambrose Lee was 36 in 2022 when he found out he had colon cancer.


SINGAPORE – Mr Ambrose Lee was 36 when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer – a disease that usually strikes those in their 50s and older.

In July 2022, he experienced heart palpitations and shortness of breath. He would feel unusually winded after walking short distances, something he attributed to the lingering effects of a Covid-19 infection.

Already a subscriber? Log in​

Unlimited coverage, unmatched value
Get Digital Access
Monthly Savings
$9.90 $5/month
Subscribe today!
Billed at $5 monthly for the first year, $9.90 monthly thereafter.
Monthly Recurring
$9.90/month
Subscribe now
No lock-in contract.

Previously I mentioned about colon cancer. I am just wondering why government is not subsiding colonoscopy and endoscopy once 5 years for citizens? Moreover gastro related cancer is no 1 cancer in Singapore. And 1 of my ex colleague passed away at aged 36 (youngest deceased ) due to colon cancer and a few friends n relatives also kanna too

 

[KPO_SAHM]

Last time my era, all the food were prepared from fresh food.

The only processed food I recalled eating was bread, canned sardine, AAA salted veggies. No such thing as fast food.

Now so many things are processed, and fast food are everywhere.

Yes but many like to eat overnight food. My hubby auntie n grandpa all kanna colon cancer

 

[KPO_SAHM]

Morale of the story, don't anyhow blame COVID-19... Do your regular health screening. I just did my colonoscopy and gastroscopy together... Singapore has comprehensive healthcare, don't waste it.

Yes I did too. Once reach 30 better check. Don trust our healthcare that only 50 then check on stools. Stools check can't see polyps in intestine

 

[coyote]

Previously I mentioned about colon cancer. I am just wondering why government is not subsiding colonoscopy and endoscopy once 5 years for citizens? Moreover gastro related cancer is no 1 cancer in Singapore. And 1 of my ex colleague passed away at aged 36 (youngest deceased ) due to colon cancer and a few friends n relatives also kanna too

My doctor told me colon cancer is asymptomatic, usually discovered only at end stage and thus doctors are advising their patients to go for colonoscopy once they reach 50. My doctor said stomach cancer is usually symptomatic and thus recommended only if patients reporting symptoms. My doctor gave me an appointment for colonoscopy at Ng Teng Fong straight, when I see them for other things.

I have to say at least two of us in this thread benefited from the medical advancement and comprehensive healthcare system of Singapore...

Understood your personal encounter. Can only guess that the number of adults to go for screening will be huge if the age is lowered to 30. And likely the number of patients with colon cancer is very low at th age of 30. So, it's a matter of balancing healthcare cost. I won't fault them. And from the 2 cases in this thread, 1 has 7 polyps, 1 has zero.

 

[icebleue]

In July 2022, he experienced heart palpitations and shortness of breath. He would feel unusually winded after walking short distances, something he attributed to the lingering effects of a Covid-19 infection.

Many buibuis also have these symptoms leh

Is cos buibui… lol

 

[icebleue]

eating now

Veggies, if not fruits like bananas and milk.

 

[jericho75]

Yes I did too. Once reach 30 better check. Don trust our healthcare that only 50 then check on stools. Stools check can't see polyps in intestine

best is go mount elizabeth scope every year. my mt elizabeth specialist told me he got patients wanted to scope every year. some every 6 months call him liao.

 

[forests_gump]

Is it because of the proliferation of processed food?

Cancer of various location, is remarkly higher post covid... it is just too simple to blame processed food (which S'porean has been eating such for decades)

If it happened recent years, need to find out the "common denominator" that causes it lor.

well, you know & I know (the rest dint want to admit)

 

[WarMage87]

Report: Minimising Colorectal Cancer Risk (Concise Format)

For: EDMW Community
Date: 9 April 2025
Subject: Ranked Actions to Reduce Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Risk

1. Introduction

• Context: Addressing EDMW concerns about rising early-onset CRC (under 50s) in Singapore.
• Purpose: Provide concise, evidence-based, ranked actions to minimise CRC risk.
• Confidence: High [Sources: WHO, NCI, Singapore Cancer Society, MOH].

2. Ranked Risk Minimisation Strategies

2.1 RANK 1: Screening (Most Effective)

• Why: Detects/removes pre-cancerous polyps; detects cancer early for better treatment outcomes. Single best strategy.
• Methods:
  • Colonoscopy: Gold standard; views entire colon; removes polyps. Frequency depends on risk/results (e.g., 10 yrs average risk, normal results).
  • FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test): Detects hidden stool blood. Annual/biennial. Positive result requires colonoscopy.
• When:
  • Average Risk: Start age 50 (Singapore MOH) or 45 (some international guides).
  • Higher Risk: Earlier (e.g., age 40, or 10 yrs before family diagnosis). Consult doctor.
• Key Takeaway: Regular screening is critical.

2.2 RANK 2: Diet Modification

• Why: High fibre aids digestion; processed/red meats increase risk [Sources: IARC/WHO].
• Actions:
  • Increase Fibre: More fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains.
  • Limit Red Meat: Beef, pork, lamb.
  • Avoid/Minimise Processed Meat: Bacon, ham, sausage, bak kwa, luncheon meat.
• Key Takeaway: Prioritise plants, limit processed/red meat.

2.3 RANK 3: Healthy Lifestyle

• Why: Obesity, inactivity, smoking, excess alcohol are known CRC risk factors.
• Actions:
  • Healthy Weight: Maintain healthy BMI (Asian range: 18.5-22.9).
  • Regular Exercise: Aim 150 min moderate / 75 min vigorous aerobic + 2x muscle strengthening weekly [Source: HPB].
  • No Smoking.
  • Moderate Alcohol.
• Key Takeaway: Manage weight, exercise, avoid tobacco/excess alcohol.

2.4 RANK 4: Symptom Awareness & Action

• Why: Early diagnosis improves outcomes if cancer develops despite prevention. Crucial for younger individuals.
• Symptoms (Seek prompt medical advice if persistent):
  • Changed bowel habits (> few weeks).
  • Blood in stool / rectal bleeding.
  • Abdominal discomfort (persistent).
  • Incomplete bowel emptying feeling.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Fatigue/weakness (possible anaemia).
• Action: Do not ignore symptoms, regardless of age. Consult doctor.
• Key Takeaway: Be vigilant, seek timely medical evaluation.

3. Discussion Summary

• Strategies cover major modifiable risks.
• Forum points (stress, specific foods) often fit within broader diet/lifestyle categories.
• Rising early-onset cases highlight importance of Rank 1 (Screening) and Rank 4 (Symptom Awareness).

4. Conclusion

• Minimising CRC risk requires proactive steps.
• Combine all strategies: Prioritise Screening (Rank 1), implement Diet (Rank 2) & Lifestyle (Rank 3) changes, maintain Symptom Awareness (Rank 4).

---

PS: Personalise these strategies, especially screening timing, by discussing your specific risk factors (e.g., family history) with a doctor.

Footnotes

• Taleb-Inspired Analysis:
  • Negative Black Swan: Silent CRC progression, especially if young/assuming low risk.
  • Fragility: Rigid age-based screening missing early cases; dismissing symptoms; treating diet as guarantee.
  • Fooled by Randomness: Blaming single food item for cancer; assuming immunity if feeling healthy.
  • Antifragility: Screening actively seeks/removes harm; healthy diet has broad benefits; addressing symptoms allows early response.
• Actionable Follow-Up:
  1. How to access subsidised CRC screening (FIT kits, colonoscopy) in Singapore? [Source: HealthHub SG, Singapore Cancer Society]
  2. What specific support (diet advice, groups) exists in Singapore for CRC prevention or patients? [Source: Singapore Cancer Society, HPB, Hospitals]
  3. What is the scientific consensus on stress and CRC risk specifically? [Source: Cancer research journals/organisations]

 

[Justrade]

Processed meat, alcohol, smoking, genetic, obesity, lack of exercise

Need to drink plenty of water. Imagine the colon as a canal. It needs water to help to flush out the waste so that the canal is clean. Otherwise all forms of waste, bacteria and germs stuck there.

 

[LoaGong12]

If it happened recent years, need to find out the "common denominator" that causes it lor.

ah . does the alphabet matter?

 

[RockiePillow]

i scared to check

Tiagong jiak lots of fillet O fish with ramly burger will help

 

[BlackWing1977]

Eat too much 科技与狠活。

 

[Monstruo^]

Better watch your diet guys!

The colonoscopy procedure is not so scary, but days before the procedure is torturing to me.

 

[lup_cheong_very_long]

Too much mala

 

[FT PRIDE]

Moh should reduced the subsi screening age