Early Detection - Colorectal
Protect Yourself from Colorectal (Bowel) Cancer
Have a regular bowel screening for peace of mind
- Every man or woman over the age of 50
- People with a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
Where is the bowel?
The bowel is part of our digestive system. It is divided into two parts, the small bowel and the large bowel. The large bowel is made up of the colon and rectum. Once food has been swallowed it passes down the gullet (oesophagus) into the stomach, where digestion begins. From here it enters the small bowel where essential nutrients are taken into the body. Any undigested food passes into the large bowel, and water is removed in the colon. The remaining waste matter, known as stools or faeces, is held in the rectum (back passage) until it is ready to be passed from the body through the anus as a bowel motion (stool).
What are the symptoms of colorectal (bowel) cancer?
While early stage colorectal cancer may often have no symptoms, some commonly-experienced symptoms include: blood or mucus noticed in the bowel motion or the toilet bowl, changes in your bowel habits lasting more than two weeks (such as alternating diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of the stool or a persistent feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement), general abdominal discomfort (gas pain, bloating, fullness or cramps), unexplained weight loss.
Fast fact: Colorectal cancer is the 2nd most common cancer amongst men and women in Hong Kong, making it essential for people to undergo regular screenings or see their doctor about abnormal symptoms in order to minimize their risk and enhance early detection rates.