The lowest portion of the digestive system is the large intestine. It is made up of the colon and rectum. Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops from the cells of the large intestine and is currently the most common cancer in Singapore.

Risk Factors 1. A family history of colonic polyps and colorectal cancer 2. Personal history of bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis of more than 10 years 3. Personal history of bowel disease such as Crohn’s Disease 4. Personal history of colonic polyps or colorectal cancer previously resected 5. Lifestyle factors such as high fat-low fibre diet, smoking and drinking. These are     associated with higher incidence of colorectal cancer Signs & Symptoms 1. A change in bowel habit – persistent diarrhoea or constipation, or alternating    diarrhoea and constipation 2. Blood or mucus in the stools 3. Stools that are narrower than usual size 4. Generalised abdominal discomfort – feeling of bloatedness, fullness and cramps 5. Feeling of incomplete emptying of bowels 6. A mass or lump felt in the abdomen 7. Constant tiredness 8. Severe or unexplained weight loss These symptoms may be caused by a number of problems and may not indicate the presence of cancer, but if any of the above symptoms persists or is bothering you, do consult your doctor for advice.

Screening	Consultation	Treatment
Colorectal cancer screening is available at: §National Cancer Centre   (Diagnostic) §Changi General Hospital §Singapore GeneralHospital §SingHealth Polyclinics Please refer to section 11 for colorectal cancer screening guidelines.	You can seek consultation at the following institutions: §National Cancer Centre §Changi General Hospital §Singapore GeneralHospital	Treatment options for colorectal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.