Eleanor (not her real name), a 50-year-old office professional, never imagined a routine colonoscopy screening would alter her life’s trajectory. “When I first heard about colonoscopies, I assumed they were for older adults,” she admits. “But one check-up shifted my perspective entirely.” Her story underscores the critical role of early detection – and why she now champions screenings for others.
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The Reluctant Decision
At 50, Eleanor considered herself healthy. She ate well, exercised regularly and had no alarming symptoms. During a routine GP visit, her doctor suggested a colonoscopy. “I hesitated,” Eleanor recalls. “I thought, ‘I’m not even passed 50 yet!'”
Her GP explained that colorectal cancer is highly preventable if caught early, stressing that routine colonoscopy screening is recommended from age 50 for average-risk individuals. However, she added that medical experts are now advocating to lower the starting age to 45, particularly for those with risk factors. “I agreed reluctantly,” Eleanor says. “I just wanted to tick it off my list.”
The Preparation: A Small Price For Peace Of Mind
The day before the procedure, Eleanor followed the preparation protocol. “The prep wasn’t pleasant, but manageable,” she shares. “I stayed home, drank the solution and… let’s just say I became best friends with my bathroom!” She jokes about temporarily “shedding a few kgs”, but emphasises, “It’s a small inconvenience compared to the benefits.”
Routine Colonoscopy Screening Procedure: Performed Under Sedation
The screening itself was straightforward. Eleanor remembers little beyond briefly waking to her nurse’s calm voice: “We found something.” A small polyp had been detected in your colon. It was a growth that could become cancerous if left unchecked. It was removed immediately during the procedure. “I left the hospital relieved,” she says.
The Diagnosis: A Narrow Escape
A week later, the clinic confirmed the polyp was benign. “Had you waited, this could’ve been a very different conversation,” the doctor told her. Eleanor shuddered. “Polyps like mine are silent. By the time symptoms appear, it’s often too late,” she explains. The routine colonoscopy screening had intercepted danger before it escalated.
Reflecting On The Journey: Gratitude And Advocacy
“I’m endlessly thankful I didn’t delay,” Eleanor reflects. “That screening gifted me peace of mind – and possibly decades more with my family.” She now urges others to prioritise screenings: “Don’t wait for symptoms. Colorectal cancer doesn’t care about your age or lifestyle.”
Why Routine Colonoscopy Screening Matters
In Singapore, colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and women, according to the Singapore Cancer Registry. Colorectal cancer is often silent and shows symptoms only in later stages. Regular screening is thus crucial for early detection and better treatment outcomes. In the early-stages, the cancer has around a 84% and 86% survival rate for men and women, respectively. However, the survival rate drops drastically, about 10-11% for both genders, if the colon cancer progresses to stage IV (based on 2011-2015 data).
Eleanor’s experience mirrors statistics: the majority of colorectal cancer cases are treatable if caught early. “If you’re 50 or older, or have risk factors like family history, don’t put it off,” she insists. “And if guidelines shift to 45, follow that advice. The prep’s a blip in your life; cancer isn’t.”
Conclusion: A Future Secured By Proactive Care
“A routine colonoscopy screening isn’t glamorous, but neither is chemotherapy,” Eleanor states bluntly. Her story is a testament to modern medicine’s power – and individual courage. “Take control. Schedule that screening. It’s not just your health; it’s your legacy.”
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.