WHAT ARE THE RISKS TO MY FAMILY IF I HAVE CANCER?
 
Incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Singapore
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the large intestine. It is now the commonest form of cancer in Singapore and the number of colorectal cancer in Singapore is still increasing very rapidly. However the number of people dying from colorectal cancer has only decreased slightly over the last twenty years. This is because most of the cancers found in Singapore are in the later stages.
 
Risks of Colorectal cancer in a Family

The risk of getting colorectal cancer is also increased in families (especially parents, children, brothers and sisters) of patients with colorectal cancer. The earlier the age of the family member and the more family members with cancer, the greater your risk.

Lifetime risks of colorectal cancer in first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer

With no family affected one in 50
One first degree relative affected one in 17
One first degree relative under age of 45 affected one in 10
Two first degree relatives affected one in six
Three first degree relatives affected one in two

* first degree relatives mean parents, children or siblings
 
Preventing colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancers develop from polyps. Both polyps and early stage colorectal cancer do not usually cause symptoms. Symptoms usually occur at a later stage.

It is now easy to detect and remove these polyps via a colonoscope without the need for surgery. Removal of these polyps can prevent the formation of colorectal cancer.
 
Advice for Family Members
Your doctor may be able to give you advice regarding risks of cancer in your family members. Your doctor is able to arrange to see your family members in an informal setting, counsel and explains the disease, assess their risk for developing colorectal cancer and to advise on the appropriate screening test and when it can be performed. Do ask your doctor if you have any queries.
 
Back to top

Back to Main