Colorectal Cancer in Millennial-Gen Z Singapore
Singapore Sees rise in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Cases
Table of Contents
SINGAPORE (April 15, 2025) – Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults in Singapore, with diagnoses occurring in residents age 50 and under, including millennials and Gen Z individuals.Doctors are urging vigilance regarding symptoms and earlier screening for those with risk factors.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms of colorectal cancer in younger patients include:
- Blood in teh stool
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits
Assistant Professor Dawn Chong, a senior consultant in medical oncology, noted that younger patients often experience delayed diagnoses, with the cancer being detected at a more advanced stage compared to older individuals.
A Personal Account
Tan, a 45-year-old Singapore resident, shared his experience with early-onset colorectal cancer. Initially, he dismissed blood in his stool as a symptom of hemorrhoids, a condition he had previously experienced.
After waiting two to three months, Tan consulted a general practitioner who prescribed hemorrhoid treatment. While the treatment initially appeared prosperous, the bleeding soon returned. After multiple visits to the general practitioner without advancement, Tan sought the advice of a specialist at a private clinic.
A colonoscopy revealed tumors in his rectum, leading to surgical removal of the cancer.
Tan, now married with a son, urges others not to ignore potential symptoms. “I ignored the symptoms of blood in the stool,” he said,according to *The Straits Times*.
He advises individuals hesitant to discuss health concerns with family or friends to seek information from reliable sources and consult a doctor.
Support and Continued Care
Lee, a colorectal cancer survivor as May 2023, continues to undergo regular check-ups at NG Teng Fong General Hospital every six months.
Following his recovery, Lee joined the Semicolon support group at the Singapore Cancer Society in 2024.
“I know how it feels to be diagnosed with cancer, so I want to provide support to people who experience the same journey,” Lee said.
Call for Earlier Screening
Dr. Lionel Chen, a consultant at the Singapore General Hospital Colorectal Surgery Department, emphasized the need for earlier screening due to the rising number of cases in younger adults, particularly those with a genetic predisposition or a family history of cancer.
Current screening guidelines primarily focus on individuals over the age of 50.
While the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in younger adults, cases remain more prevalent in older age groups.
“The incidence of colorectal cancer in Singapore among young adults is not as high as those aged over 50 years,” Dr. Chen said, adding that the cost-effectiveness of lowering the screening age must be considered due to the potential strain on the healthcare system.
Lifestyle and Prevention
Experts reccommend adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. This includes a balanced diet rich in fruits,vegetables,and whole grains,as well as regular exercise.
Limiting red and processed meat intake, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, abstaining from smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight are also crucial.
“If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, consider discussing an earlier examination option with your doctor,” Dr. Chen advised.
Dr. Chen also noted that “A diet that contains a lot of processed meat and red meat, which is increasingly common in Asia due to urbanization and Western influence, increases risk.”
Other contributing factors include physical inactivity, a low-fiber diet, and obesity.
Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer in Singapore: Your Questions Answered
This article explores the rising cases of early-onset colorectal cancer in Singapore, providing insights and data based on the provided content, including expert opinions and personal experiences. It aims too deliver thorough information in a clear and accessible Q&A format.
Q: What’s happening with colorectal cancer in Singapore?
A: Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and rectum, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults in Singapore. this includes people under the age of 50, encompassing millennials and Gen Z. Doctors are urging people to pay close attention to any potential symptoms and consider earlier screening, especially if they have certain risk factors.
Q: What are the common symptoms of colorectal cancer in younger people?
A: Some of the common symptoms include:
Blood in the stool
Abdominal pain
Changes in bowel habits
Q: Why is early diagnosis of colorectal cancer sometimes delayed in younger patients?
A: according to Assistant Professor Dawn Chong, a senior consultant in medical oncology, younger patients often experience delayed diagnoses.This is because the cancer may be detected at a more advanced stage compared to older individuals.
Q: Can you share a personal experience with early-onset colorectal cancer?
A: Yes. Tan, a 45-year-old Singapore resident, shared his experience. He initially dismissed blood in his stool, assuming it was hemorrhoids, which he had experienced before. After waiting several months and receiving hemorrhoid treatment from a general practitioner that initially seemed to work but the bleeding returned, he consulted a specialist. A colonoscopy revealed tumors in his rectum, leading to surgery. Tan urges others not to ignore symptoms,emphasizing the importance of seeking medical advice promptly.
Q: What advice does Tan offer to others?
A: Tan, who was diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer, advises people to seek reliable information and consult a doctor if they are hesitant to discuss health concerns with family or friends. He stresses the importance of not dismissing symptoms, as he initially did.
Q: what kind of support is available for colorectal cancer survivors?
A: Lee, a colorectal cancer survivor, receives regular check-ups at NG Teng Fong general Hospital and joined the Semicolon support group at the Singapore Cancer Society in 2024. this support group offers a way for survivors to connect with others who understand the journey of being diagnosed with cancer.
Q: Why is earlier screening for colorectal cancer being discussed?
A: Dr. Lionel Chen, a consultant at the singapore General Hospital Colorectal Surgery Department, emphasizes the need for earlier screening. This is due to the increasing number of cases in younger adults, particularly those with a genetic predisposition or a family history of cancer.
Q: What are the current colorectal cancer screening guidelines?
A: Current screening guidelines primarily focus on individuals over the age of 50.
Q: Is early-onset colorectal cancer more prevalent in older or younger adults?
A: While the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in younger adults, cases remain more prevalent in older age groups. Dr. Chen notes that the incidence in young adults in singapore is not as high as in those over 50. However, the cost-effectiveness of lowering the screening age must be considered due to the potential strain on the healthcare system.
Q: What lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer?
A: Experts recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk. This includes:
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Regular exercise
Limiting red and processed meat intake
Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
Abstaining from smoking
* Maintaining a healthy weight
Q: What diet-related factors increase the risk of colorectal cancer?
A: Dr. Chen mentioned that a diet high in processed and red meat increases risk, a dietary trend becoming more common in Asia due to urbanization and Western influence. Other contributing factors include physical inactivity, a low-fiber diet, and obesity.
Q: What shoudl I do if I have a family history of colorectal cancer?
A: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, consider discussing an earlier examination option with your doctor.