Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops in the colon or rectum, often beginning as small growths called polyps that can turn cancerous over time if not removed. Because the colon and rectum are part of the digestive tract, colorectal cancer is sometimes referred to as “colon cancer.”
In Singapore, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second most common among women, according to the Singapore National Cancer Registry (MNCRR 2017–2021). Unfortunately, a significant proportion of patients are still diagnosed at Stage 3 or 4, when the disease is harder to treat effectively.
In Singapore, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among men and women, according to the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2023.
Historically, Singapore’s age-standardised incidence rate (ASR) for CRC was estimated at 18.3 per 100,000 (GLOBOCAN) — among the highest in Southeast Asia. e-epih.org+2PMC+2. In terms of mortality, CRC has an age-standardised mortality
rate of around 11.46 per 100,000 for men and 8.05 per 100,000 for women in Singapore. e-epih.org.
In regional registry data (Northern Singapore, 2008–2017), the ASR remained relatively stable (17.0–20.0 per 100,000) while the mortality from approximately 12.7 to 3.0 per 100,000.
These figures underscore that colorectal cancer is a significant health burden in Singapore, and early detection through screening is critically important.
In its early stages, colorectal cancer may cause no noticeable symptoms. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
These symptoms may be caused by other conditions, but if they persist, medical evaluation is important.
Early detection through screening saves lives. In Singapore, guidelines recommend:
Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome should begin screening earlier and repeat it more frequently.
Diagnosis usually involves:
While the exact cause is not always known, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer:
The most common types include:
Staging describes how advanced the cancer is:
Cancer cells limited to the innermost lining
Cancer confined to the colon/rectum wall or slightly beyond, no lymph nodes
Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
Cancer has spread (metastasised) to distant organs like the liver or lungs
The stage at diagnosis is critical in determining treatment and prognosis.
Treatment depends on the stage, overall health, and fertility wishes of the patient.
In Singapore, our team includes colorectal oncologists, surgeons, radiation specialists, pathologists, nurses and allied health professionals. They work together to deliver personalised treatment and care for every patient.
