My name is David Chan and I am a colorectal cancer survivor. In 2005, my company doctor became concerned when my diarrhoea didn’t go away after 2 months. I was referred for further checks and discovered a large tumour about 13cm long in my colon.

I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Although I have no family history of cancer and had done blood tests before this, no cancer was detected.

My treatment had to be immediate. I was quickly scheduled for an operation at Singapore General Hospital to remove the tumour. Colorectal surgery typically lasts 90 minutes. My operation lasted 2.5 hours. My family members were waiting for me worriedly to come out of the operating theatre. The surgeon later explained that he had first tried laparoscopy (a 3 point surgical insertion) to remove the tumour but had difficulty isolating the tumour. He then reverted to the traditional method of cutting open my abdomen to do the operation. This was followed by chemotherapy at National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). The whole treatment process lasted 9 months.

What got me through this ordeal was my acceptance of my condition and the possibility that I may die from this illness. I was lucky in that my children had grown up and are working. I drew up a will and settled most of my earthly affairs. The support from my family, church community, and friends helped a lot. I felt an internal calm and concentrated on fighting cancer and its side effects.

My advice: trust in God if you have a religion. Live well, eat sensibly, meet up with friends and cancer survivors, join a support group like the SCS Colorectal Support Group, and share your experiences. Don’t give up on yourself. Life is precious and always worth the living.  

Every March, Singapore Cancer Society organises the annual Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) Campaign for the general public. One key feature of the campaign is to encourage those aged 50 year and above to get screened for colorectal cancer by using a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit. FIT tests for blood in the stool, which is a sign of pre-colorectal cancer. You may collect your FIT kits through your Healthier SG healthcare provider, subject to screening eligibility. Kindly note that doctor consultation and screening test fees may apply.

For more information, contact us at cancerscreening@singaporecancersociety.org.sg or 1800-727-3333.