The Third Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Public Symposium

06 Mar 2004

By Dr Balaji Sadasivan

Venue: The Mandarin Court, Level 4, Mandarin Hotel

INTRODUCTION

1 It is my pleasure to be here this afternoon at this public symposium to launch the Third Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

2 I congratulate the Singapore Cancer Society for organising the Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in March annually, to promote understanding of the disease among Singaporeans and to spread the message on 'Screen, Prevent, Treat'.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF COLORECTAL CANCER IN SINGAPORE

3 The incidence of colorectal cancer in Singapore has risen steadily over the past 30 years. It is now the commonest cancer in Singapore overall, with about 1,200 new cases diagnosed every year.

4 Internationally, the incidence of colorectal cancer among Chinese Singaporeans is higher than that of the Chinese in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Hawaii. It is also higher than that of the Japanese but is comparable to the rates in the UK, Australia and US.

5 The risk of colorectal cancer is higher in persons who have a family history of colorectal cancer, have a high-fat diet, smoke, lead a sedentary lifestyle and are overweight. Therefore, a high-fibre diet rich in fruits and vegetables, together with an active, healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

6 The risk of colorectal cancer rises sharply after age 50. By age 75, about 1 in 25 Singaporeans will develop colorectal cancer.

THE CASE FOR SCREENING

7 Fortunately, colorectal cancer is curable if detected early. For localised, early stage cancer, the cure rate can be as high as 90%.

8 Screening methods are now available for early detection. A yearly test for blood in the stools, known as Faecal Occult Blood testing (FOBT), is currently recommended for those aged 50 years and above. It is a simple, relatively inexpensive, and non-invasive test. These recommendations are supported by evidence from large randomised controlled population trials.

9 Currently, the majority of colorectal cancers (60%) are diagnosed late, leading to poor survival. Screening, therefore, offers an opportunity to improve outcomes of colorectal cancer through early detection.

CURRENT SCREENING ACTIVITIES

10 My ministry is working with the Health Promotion Board and both clusters' polyclinics to increase public awareness and improve access to FOBT screening.

11 The Singapore Cancer Society currently offers free FOBT screening. Between March to December 2003, it has handed out FOBT kits to about 2900 people at public forums, community centre talks and community health fairs.

BLUE RIBBON

12 This year the Singapore Cancer Society has introduced the blue ribbon, which is commonly associated with colorectal cancer. Proceeds from the sale of the blue ribbon collar pins costing $2 each, will help fund the Society?s Colorectal Screening programme. This is a worthy cause that everyone should support.

CONCLUSION

13 The theme of today's public symposium 'Colorectal Cancer: Detect It Early!' emphasises the importance of screening for early detection. Each of us should be aware of when to screen, and the screening tests available.

14 In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the good work of the Singapore Cancer Society in preventing and controlling cancer among Singaporeans. I am pleased to launch the Third Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.