Myths about colorectal cancer: Is colorectal cancer always fatal?

Colorectal cancer is a common cancer killer in Hong Kong. Many people feel devastated when they are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, thinking that it will be fatal at any time. But this is actually a misunderstanding. With today's advanced technology, colorectal cancer is not necessarily fatal, and there is a high survival rate within 5 years.

The survival rate for colorectal cancer is very high 5 years after diagnosis.

The cure rate for early-stage colorectal cancer is actually quite good. According to data from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), 91% of patients with localized colorectal cancer do not die within five years of diagnosis. As long as they actively receive treatment and follow-up care afterward, their condition will also improve significantly.

However, it's important to note that only 37% of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in their early stages. Most patients are screened late, by which time the cancer has already spread beyond the intestinal wall or metastasized to other parts of the body. Therefore, treating colorectal cancer in its middle and late stages becomes much more difficult, naturally leading to a higher mortality rate.

Should we only get screened if we have symptoms?

Many people believe that symptoms are a prerequisite for developing colorectal cancer, but in fact, colorectal cancer often presents with almost no symptoms in its early years. Symptoms, such as bloody stools, abdominal pain, and weight loss, only appear years later as the cancer cells slowly develop. By this stage, colorectal cancer becomes increasingly difficult to treat.

Testing for colorectal cancer does not necessarily require a colonoscopy.

Traditional colon examinations involve colonoscopy. The doctor anesthetizes the patient and inserts a long, thin endoscope through the anus into the lower digestive tract to examine the colon for polyps, ulcers, or tumors. Before the examination, patients often need to take laxatives and fast for six hours, making the procedure inconvenient and painful, deterring many from undergoing it.

To reduce testing discomfort, re:HEALTH Hong Kong Renhe Health Checkup has introduced the ColoClear® non-invasive colorectal cancer screening test. Simply collect a stool sample after using the toilet at home to detect colorectal cancer and benign tumors, with a detection sensitivity of up to 96%! The process is painless, non-invasive, and non-surgical.

• Employs next-generation DNA technology, multi-target fecal gene (FIT-DNA) testing technology

• Test reports will be available within 5 business days.

• Sensitivity up to 96%; equivalent to a colonoscopy.

• Colorectal cancer screening test approved by the National Medical Products Administration

Ref: https://bit.ly/3Sa96Ji