COLORECTAL CANCER - Second deadliest cancer among Malaysians

By Colorectal Specialists

Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur

Cancer of the colon and rectum is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Malaysian. Recent research has shown that appropriate screening and treatment can alleviate much of the suffering associated with colorectal cancer and reduce the number of deaths caused by this malignancy. People with no known risk factors may even have colorectal cancer, which is why regular screening is important for early detection and management.

What are the risk factors?

Doctors are not certain what causes most colorectal cancers. In general, colon cancer begins when healthy cells in the colon develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains a set of instructions that tell a cell what to do. The following are factors that might increase your risk of colon cancer:

• Older age. Although colorectal cancer affect people of all ages, it is more common among people age 50 years or older.

• Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.

• Family members with colorectal cancer or other cancers.

• A sedentary lifestyle. As with other cancers, colorectal cancer risk is higher among inactive individuals. Getting regular physical activity may reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. 

• Diabetes or obesity. Diabetes and obesity are known to increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. 

• Low fiber, high fat diet. Diet with high consumption of red or processed meat, low fruit and vegetable intake are known to be a risk factor in colorectal cancer. 

• Smoking and alcohol 

How can you reduce the risk?

• Get screened regularly

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Adopt a physically active lifestyle

• Consume a healthy diet with a variety of vegetables and fruits each day

• Limit your consumption of processed and red meats.

• If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit consumption.

• Be a quitter when it comes to smoking

Our Endoscope Center

Endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that allows a doctor to view the inside of a person's body. During an endoscopy procedure, the doctor inserts an endoscope, thin tubes with a powerful light and tiny camera at the end, to view inside of a person’s body. Doctors are able to observe the organ through the video images. Regular screening is one way to reduce your risk especially if you are over 50 years old; our Endoscope Center is fully equipped to guide you through your screening process. 

Dr. Charles Tsang Bih Shiou

Dr. Paul Selvindoss

Datuk Dr. Yunus Gul Bin Alif Gul