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Both men and women are at risk for colorectal cancer. While it is more prominent in men, it can also be harder to detect in women. The most common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer often present abdominally. Women can often mistake these symptoms as being related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menopause.
Symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, gas, abdominal pain or cramps, and fatigue are often associated with PMS. Therefore, women are more likely to overlook these symptoms as opposed to having them checked by a doctor.
Dr Ganesh explores some issues revolving around colorectal cancer in women. He answers some questions about colorectal cancer and how women can better distinguish gynaecological and colorectal problems.
It can be difficult for women to distinguish between colorectal and gynaecological symptoms. Both symptoms of colorectal cancer and that of PMS or menopause include:
Taking note of any irregular changes in your body as it can help distinguish the symptoms of PMS from something more severe like colorectal cancer.
Although there are more incidences of colorectal cancer in men (38.2%)* than women (27.2%)*, both men and women generally exhibit similar symptoms of the disease.
Often, many patients only discover that they are diagnosed with colorectal cancer after a colonoscopy.
*Statistics taken from Singapore Cancer Society, 2016
Trust your body, and if you are experiencing unusual changes relating to your bowel or suffering from sudden abdominal pain, consult your doctor, gynaecologist, or gastroenterologist.
Yes, often the common symptoms relating to colorectal cancer can be labelled as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as bloating or a change in bowel habits.
Blood in the stools can also be caused by benign conditions such as haemorrhoids, so the diagnosis is not always straightforward. However, if a patient is experiencing sudden anaemia or weight loss coupled with the symptoms above, I would recommend an endoscopy to assess the situation better.
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT):
Colonoscopy:
The risk of colorectal cancer increases once you hit 50 years of age.
While it can be challenging to differentiate monthly PMS-related symptoms from something more severe, like colorectal cancer, women should learn what to look out for.
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