Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second commonest cancer in Hong Kong. Early colorectal cancer is asymptomatic. Change of bowel habits like diarrhea or contipation, sense of incomplete emptying, blood in stool and abdominal pain, weight loss and anemia are common manifestations of colorectal cancer. A family history of colorectal cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, ulcerative colitis, colitis due to Crohn’s disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are risk factors of colorectal cancers.

Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Surgical resection is the only curative modality for localized disease. For later stage of disease (mostly stage III disease), chemotherapy is added to reduce the chance of recurrence. Rectal cancer may benefit from radiation therapy.

Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

Regular colorectal cancer screening can detect the colorectal cancer at an earlier stage and thus the change of cure is increased. Exercise, vegetables, fruits and calcium may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.