Gut health tips to keep polyps at bay!

From regular colorectal cancer screenings to the best (and worst!) foods for gut health, DR TAN HON LYN, Senior Medical Oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Centre, shares her key insights on keeping your gut in tip-top shape and polyps at bay.

Why is colorectal cancer screening so important, even though I’m feeling healthy?

When it comes to cancer, early detection can make all the difference. This is especially true for colorectal cancer, one of the most common and preventable types of cancer. Screening not only detects colorectal cancer early when it is most treatable – it can actually prevent the disease from developing in the first place.

Colorectal cancer often grows quietly, without obvious warning signs. Many people look and feel perfectly healthy even as polyps – small growths that can become cancerous over time – form in the colon. By the time symptoms like blood in the stool, abdominal pain or weight loss appear, the disease may already be advanced.

Screening can save lives. Detecting polyps early offers the best chance to remove them before they develop into cancer. Early stage colorectal cancer is often treatable with surgery alone. In contrast, advanced cancer requires more complex treatments and has lower survival rates.

Early detection leads to simpler treatments and better outcomes. Find out how we can assist you with your concerns about cancer and cancer screening by visiting our patient education blog. To make an appointment, reach out to us online or call us.

What happens if polyps are found during colorectal cancer screening?

A colonoscopy is a safe and effective way to examine the lining of the colon and rectum. If a suspicious area is seen, a biopsy (small tissue sample) is usually taken to find out if it’s benign (non-cancerous), pre-cancerous or cancerous.

In cases where polyps (growths on the colon lining) are detected, they are often removed and sent for analysis. If a polyp is too large for removal right away, a biopsy may be taken and a separate procedure can be scheduled.

After the procedure, your medical team will explain the findings. If samples were taken, lab results are typically ready within a few days to two weeks. Your doctor will then discuss the results and any necessary follow-up. Follow-up depends on the results:

• Benign findings: Routine monitoring, with repeat colonoscopy in several years.
• Pre-cancerous polyps: More frequent colonoscopies may be recommended.
• Cancerous findings: Further testing, scans and referrals to specialists such as a colorectal surgeon and oncologist.
• Other conditions (e.g., inflammation): Referral to a gastroenterologist or other appropriate specialist.

Not all suspicious findings are cancer. Most polyps are benign, though some can become cancerous. Colonoscopy helps to prevent and detect colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable.

How much does diet really impact the gut? What are the best foods for gut health?

Diet plays a major role in gut health and can influence the risk of developing colon polyps and colorectal cancer. A balanced, fibre-rich diet supports healthy digestion, reduces inflammation and promotes beneficial gut bacteria.

Here are some of the best foods for gut health and colorectal cancer prevention:

• High-fibre foods: Whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables
• Colourful produce: Vegetables and fruits such as carrots, spinach, tomatoes and blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals
• Calcium and vitamin D sources: Dairy products, fortified plant milks and leafy greens
• Omega-3-rich foods: Walnuts, flaxseeds, avocados, and fatty fish such as salmon

Here are some foods to limit or avoid (linked to increased cancer risk):

• Processed meats: Bacon, sausages, deli meats
• Excess red meat: Particularly if grilled or charred
• Excess alcohol
• Highly processed foods and sugary beverages: These can disrupt the gut microbiome and contribute to obesity and insulin resistance

In addition to a nutritious diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and routine screening play important roles in lowering your risk. Making informed lifestyle choices can go a long way in protecting your colon and overall health.

About the doctor

Dr Tan Hon Lyn is a Senior Medical Oncologist. Her subspecialty interests are in gastrointestinal cancers and neuroendocrine tumours. She is fluent in English, Mandarin and is able to converse in Hokkien, Teochew and Malay.

OncoCare Cancer Centre
Locations at Gleneagles, Gleneagles Annexe, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Alvernia, Royal Square Medical Centre and Thomson Medical Centre.
6250 8160 | oncocare.sg | enquiries@oncocare.sg

Interested in this article on colorectal cancer screening, polyps, best foods for gut health and OncoCare Cancer Centre? Check out more health tips here.

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