Colorectal Cancer – A significant health concern Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is top cancer affecting Singaporeans. One in 20 individuals will develop the disease in his or her lifetime. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, with 85% of colon cancer patients’ age above 50. Therefore, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends regular screening for colon cancer for this at risk group.
Screening for Colorectal Cancer – Early detection can save lives. The gold standard for colorectal cancer screening is to go for a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is performed under sedation and allows for a thorough visual examination of the colon and rectum to detect early cancer or pre-cancerous growths (polyps). Signs of these growths may not appear with constipation or blood in stools, therefore colonoscopy has the added advantage over FOBT.
Regular screening through colonoscopy is important for early detection, especially for those in the at risk groups.
At Risk Groups
Screening for Colorectal Cancer – Early detection can save lives. The gold standard for colorectal cancer screening is to go for a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is performed under sedation and allows for a thorough visual examination of the colon and rectum to detect early cancer or pre-cancerous growths (polyps). Signs of these growths may not appear with constipation or blood in stools, therefore colonoscopy has the added advantage over FOBT.
Regular screening through colonoscopy is important for early detection, especially for those in the at risk groups.
At Risk Groups
- Males and Females > 50 years old
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Family history of colorectal polyps
- History of Ulcerative Colitis
- History of Colorectal Polyps
- Blood in stool