Doctors see an increase in number of young colon cancer patients
By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 14 March 2009 1820 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Colon cancer, the No. 1 cancer killer in Singapore, used to affect those over 50 years old, but doctors are reporting an increasing trend of younger people diagnosed with the disease.

26-year-old Alan Jeff Lim started to experience problematic bowel movements last April. It wasn't till three months later that doctors figured out what was wrong.

"They initially ruled out cancer because of my age. I just went for a lot of tests like urine, stool and blood tests," said Lim.

An endoscopy finally revealed that he had Stage 4 colorectal cancer and needed to have his entire colon removed.

Lim, who is recovering well, is not alone. Doctors estimate that one in every 20 patients who suffer from colon cancer is below the age of 40.

Dr Ang Peng Tiam, medical director, Parkway Cancer Centre, said: "We understand that colon cancer is related to diet. In the more affluent countries where there is a higher fat and meat content, and low fibre content, these groups of people are more prone to developing colorectal cancer.

"It is difficult to understand why the young are also getting it. We seem to see a higher number of younger individuals with colorectal cancer."

Doctors said the lack of exercise and stress, which lowers the immune system, could be contributing factors. Warning signs include blood in stools or a change in bowel habits.

Every year, about 1,400 Singaporeans are diagnosed with colon cancer, making it the most common cancer here. To encourage more to come forward for early detection, the Singapore Cancer Society is offering free screening tests to 30,000 people.

Similarly, the Parkway Cancer Centre plans to give out free test kits and screen about 1,000 people at Raffles Place next week. Based on the response, it will then determine the number of kits to give out at Singapore Post Centre and VivoCity.

Doctors generally recommend that those above 50 years old should go for regular screening as they are in the high-risk group.


- CNA/so