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Fatigue may be attributed to menstrual blood loss or iron deficiency, while abdominal bloating and changes in bowel habits may be mistaken for hormonal changes,\u00a0<\/span>irritable bowel syndrome<\/span>, or diet-related symptoms, said Clin Asst Prof Wong.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAdditionally, some women may delay seeking medical attention due to caregiving responsibilities or the assumption that they are too young to be at risk,\u201d she added.<\/span><\/p>\n Dr Ong noted that nearly three in five\u00a0<\/strong>patients, both male and female, are diagnosed at a late stage (Stage 3 or 4). He recalls a 39-year-old patient who had persistent fatigue for over a year, and was later diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cShe attributed the fatigue to her heavy menses, and didn\u2019t undergo further evaluation for her anaemia,\u201d said Dr Ong. The patient sought help after she kept vomiting from a bowel blockage, and had to undergo emergency surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n Symptoms to look out for include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue (often linked to anaemia), changes in bowel habits or stool consistency, blood in stools or rectal bleeding. There may be general abdominal discomfort, like bloating, fullness, cramps or gas.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIn general, pay attention to symptoms that are new, persistent, keep getting worse or unusually severe,\u201d Clin Asst Prof Wong said.<\/span><\/p>\n Clin Asst Prof Wong advised women to incorporate colorectal screening as part of their routine\u00a0preventive health, alongside\u00a0<\/span>breast<\/span> and cervical cancer screening, rather than as something separate.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nMAKE COLORECTAL SCREENING PART OF YOUR WOMEN\u2019S HEALTH ROUTINE\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n