Colon cancer is a formidable disease that affects thousands of Singaporean men and women. It does not play favourites, but it can manifest differently depending on your gender and affect your colon cancer treatment plan.
Let us explore these nuances so you can be better equipped to fight this illness with your chosen colorectal cancer specialist.
Men Are More Likely to Have This Cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Singapore, but it is more prevalent among men than women. We can point their higher risk to several lifestyle and biological reasons:
- Men usually store fat in their midsection first, unlike women who gain fat in their hip area. Excessive belly fat is a known risk factor for colon cancer.
- Men are also more likely to have a diet richer in red and processed meat, which is also linked to colorectal cancers.
- Moreover, men tend to engage in harmful behaviours such as smoking and heavy alcohol drinking, both of which are also risk factors.
Colon Cancer Can Be More Aggressive in Women
Women are less likely to develop colorectal cancer than men. However, in return, they may face a more aggressive form of the disease instead. This is because colon cancer in women often forms on the right side of the colon.
Right-sided colorectal cancer is often diagnosed at later stages when the tumour has significantly advanced. This is because early growths in that area are harder to see in colonoscopies.
This poorer prognosis would mean their physicians may prescribe more aggressive colon cancer treatments to fight the cancer. It would be more physically taxing.
Meanwhile, men typically develop colon cancer on the left side, which is easier to find in their early stages. The colorectal cancer specialist would likely recommend less strenuous treatment plans.
Colon Cancer Symptoms Can Be Mistaken For Gynaecological Symptoms
Another unique challenge that women face when diagnosing colorectal cancer is that its early symptoms can easily be mistaken for signs of menstruation or issues like endometriosis. These shared symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating
- Irregular bowel habits
- Chronic fatigue
If you have these symptoms even if you are not due your period, you should consider seeing a colorectal cancer specialist for further assessment.
Gynaecological Cancers Can Affect Risk Factors for Women
Women who have had gynaecological cancers such as ovarian and cervical cancer may have a higher risk of colon cancer later in life. Their reproductive system’s close proximity to the colon can make it easier for the cancer cells to spread in that area.
Your doctor will want to know if you have had such cancers before so they can determine how to proceed with your colon cancer treatment.
Regular Risk Factors Affect Both Men and Women
While there are gender-specific factors affecting our risk of colon cancer, we still share many common ones. These include our family history of cancer, our age, and how physically active we are. So regardless of our gender, it would still be wise to practise a healthier lifestyle to minimise our chances of having this disease.
Health Screening is Always Essential
A dependable colorectal cancer specialist will tell you that testing is vital for early detection. It also impacts how effective colon cancer treatments can be. With that in mind, be sure to follow their recommended screening schedule because they can take your risk factors into consideration.
Related Infographic: Early Detection Saves Lives: Colorectal Cancer Screening for Singaporeans
Be More Proactive Against Colorectal Cancer
When we understand the different aspects affecting our risk of colon cancer, we can take better steps to protect ourselves from it. So feel free to consult a colorectal cancer specialist in Singapore if you want to learn more about reducing your risk. They can provide professional advice and recommend tests to safeguard your health.
Take charge of your well-being today so you can live your best tomorrow.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/colorectal-cancer/colon-cancer-in-women
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/colon-cancer-in-women
- https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/cancer-in-the-sigmoid-colon–what-it-means-when-colon-cancer-is-on-the-left-side.h00-159695178.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470380/
- https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/9-must-know-facts-about-colorectal-cancer
