"The incidence of colorectal cancer is expected to increase in the next five years. Although there are many health and educational initiatives to fight cancer, it is equally vital that individuals play a more active role in taking charge of their own health." Associate Professor Koo Wen Hsin, Chairman of Singapore Cancer Society.

March 2009 marked Colorectal Cancer awareness month by the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS), during which time SCS launched a massive campaign to educate the public on the importance of preventive screening.

"If only I had gone for regular screening and detected the cancer earlier, I would have been spared the agony of going through chemotherapy treatment for third stage colon cancer... It only takes a dip to save lives." Mr Gerard Ee, Chairman of the National Kidney Foundation.

A Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is recommended annually, and it is a test that can be done in the privacy of your home. The FOBT kits are sent back to SCS for processing and the results will be mailed back to the participants. In 2008, FOBT screening efforts by SCS detected cancer in 32 individuals, and led to the removal of polyps in 128 individuals. Of whom 91 were found to have polyps at the pre-cancerous stage.

During March 2009, FOBT kits were distributed through SCS clinics, 41 Guardian Pharmacy outlets, 18 polyclinics, National University Hospital Education Hub and two roadshows at Tampines Mall and Tiong Bahru Plaza. The campaign received overwhelming response.

The highlight of the month was a free public forum, attended by more than 500 people on the 21 March 2009. The two sessions at Tampines North Community Centre featured speakers from restructured hospitals and private practice. The panel of doctors during the English session were Dr Francis Seow-Cheon, Dr Ng Kheng Hong and Dr Benjamin Chuah. The panel of doctors during the Mandarin session were A/Prof Koo Wen Hsin, Dr Yong Wei Peng and Dr Quah Hak Mien. The panel of speakers, representing the spectrum of oncology, from medical oncology, radiation oncology to surgical oncology, provided insights on the journey a patient takes from diagnosis to treatment and dispelled common misconceptions surrounding the topic of colorectal cancer, in particular the role of the different types of treatments. During the Q & A sessions, participants clarified their doubts and personal medical problems with the doctors.

The message from the Singapore Cancer Society on Colorectal Cancer is clear, "it only takes a dip to save lives"! Faced with the increasing trend of the disease, managing Colorectal Cancer is a challenging task, requiring individuals to play an active role in looking after themselves.

Towards this end, some products like Ensure Life may be able to help to some degree. Ensure Life contains a patented blend of prebiotic fiber (fructo-oligosaccharides and Inulin) to support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and hence help support a healthy digestive system. Its fat blend is also formulated according to the latest American Heart Association dietary guidelines¹, with no trans fat, low cholesterol and a beneficial blend of unsaturated fatty acids. Available in Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate flavors, Ensure Life provides complete, balanced nutrition so you get all the nutrients you need in one tasty glass.

Notes:
¹ With reference to the fat blend of Ensure Life. American Heart Association Circulation 2006; 114:82-96.

All the above activities (including screening) are provided free by the Singapore Cancer Society, made possible by donations from corporations and individuals. If you wish to make a donation to SCS, you may contact the society at enquiry@singaporecancersociety.org.sg.

If you would like to have free colorectal cancer screening at your workplace, please email the Society at cancerscreening@singaporecancersociety.org.sg

Photographs by Singapore Cancer Society