Colonoscopy Screening Singapore – Why A Colonoscopy Is Important For Colorectal Health

Colonoscopy Screening Singapore – Colorectal cancer is a top killer cancer globally. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, it is the second most common cancer both for men and for women for the years 2017 to 2021, and also the second leading cause of cancer deaths for bother sexes. In this article, we explore why a colonoscopy is important for colorectal health.

Colorectal Cancer In Singapore Key Statistics

Some key statistics for colorectal cancer in Singapore:

• 6,697 new cases diagnosed for men and 5,542 new cases for women for 2017-2021.
• Responsible for 14.4% of all cancer deaths for men, and 15.6% in women for 2017-2021.
• The 5-year age-standardised survival rate of colorectal cancer for men is 62.7%, and for women, 62.4%.
• 59.2% of colorectal cancer incidences for men were diagnosed only in Stages III and IV (2018-2021). For women, the proportion of advanced stage diagnosis was 57.8%.

Learn More: Colorectal Cancer In Singapore >>

Why A Colonoscopy Is Important?

Colorectal cancer often does not have symptoms in the early stages. A colonoscopy screening in Singapore is an important part of national preventive healthcare landscape as it allows people to have their colorectal conditions detected, managed or treated, before symptoms start to show.   

What Is A Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the colon and rectum for abnormalities such as polyps, inflammation, or signs of colorectal cancer.

A colonoscopy can be used for:

• Colorectal cancer screening: Screening colonoscopy is recommended for individuals aged 50 and above in Singapore. People below age 50 can consider colonoscopy if they have risk factors or a family history of colorectal cancer.
• Evaluating symptoms: If a patent experiences rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or other symptoms of colorectal conditions, a colonoscopy may be undertaken to help identify the cause.
• Detecting and removing polyps: Colorectal polyps can be detected and removed during a colonoscopy. These precancerous growths may develop into cancer if left untreated.
• Diagnosing gastrointestinal conditions: Besides colorectal cancer, other gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulosis, may be diagnosed via a colonoscopy.

How To Find A Doctor For Colonoscopy Screening, Singapore

In Singapore, you will need to engage medical specialists such as gastroenterologists or colorectal surgeons, have the required training and experience to conduct your colonoscopy and interpret the results.

Beyond colonoscopy, gastroscopy is another important diagnostic procedure used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Patients undergoing screening may often elect to undergo both a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy at the same time to save on cost and time.

Learn More: Stomach And Colorectal Cancer Screening >>

Consult A Doctor Or Surgeon On Your Colorectal Health Or Colorectal Cancer Concerns

Looking for a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon to consult on your colonoscopy, colorectal health or colorectal cancer concerns? Contact us for help to arrange for an appointment.

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