The "Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme" currently launched by the government mainly targets Hong Kong residents aged 50 to 75 and asymptomatic to receive screening services in the private sector to avoid colorectal cancer. However, since colorectal cancer has a trend of getting younger, high-risk groups such as people with poor eating habits (such as eating red meat, processed meat, etc.) and those with metabolic syndrome should be examined at the age of 40 or earlier, as compared to people with a family history of colorectal cancer.
Common colorectal cancer screening methods:
A faecal occult blood test
可在家中進行A faecal occult blood testcan be performed at home. By detecting occult blood (bloody stool) in the stool, even a trace amount of occult blood can indicate intestinal bleeding.
Sigmoidoscopy
Before the examination, you must take laxatives to cleanse the intestines and follow a low-residue diet. The doctor then uses a 60-centimeter-long instrument with a camera attached to it and inserts it into the large intestine through the anus to examine the large intestine wall. If necessary, the doctor will first prescribe sedatives and painkillers to reduce the examiner's discomfort and anxiety. During the examination, the doctor can take tissue samples for further testing and remove the polyps.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopyis currently the best way to examine the lower gastrointestinal tract. Before the examination, you must take laxatives to cleanse the intestines and follow a low-residue diet. Doctors use a small tube with a total length of about 1.6 meters to examine the entire large intestine. As with sigmoidoscopy, medications may be prescribed to reduce the patient's discomfort and anxiety. During the examination, the doctor can take tissue samples for further testing and remove the polyps.
Cancer genetic screening
In recent years, hereditary cancer genetic screening has also been introduced. If a family member has had cancer, such as breast cancer or colorectal cancer, the risk of developing such cancer may be higher. In a small number of families, mutated genes that control cell division are more likely to be passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, the chances of developing colorectal cancer can be known through early testing.
80% of colorectal cancers evolve from polyps. It takes about 5 to 10 years for polyps to develop into colorectal cancer. Understanding the characteristics of intestinal polyps andremoving polypsin the large intestine as early as possible is the most effective way to avoid colorectal cancer.
In addition, it should be noted that the accuracy of the fecal occult blood test is about 80%, but the purpose is not to detect polyps, and the chance of successfully detecting polyps is less than 50%. While the test can help detect bleeding problems early in people who don't have symptoms, it doesn't prevent colorectal cancer. On the contrary, colonoscopy effectively removes polyps and prevents them from developing into colorectal cancer.
I hope everyone can detect lesions early through regular check-ups!
The above information is for reference only. Consult your doctor if you have any doubt.
Source: Healthy Life Easy, Hong Kong 01
