During colorectal cancer screening, the aim is to catch cancer or pre-cancerous growths early. If you’ve been recommended for colorectal cancer screening in Singapore, you can choose from a stool-based test, which checks for tiny traces of blood, or a colonoscopy, where a thin camera looks at your bowel lining.
The goal is simple: find changes before they grow into serious disease. Here’s more: https://gastrohealth.com.sg/services/colonoscopy-singapore/.
Timely colorectal cancer screening is strongly recommended because early stages of the disease rarely cause pain. By the time symptoms appear—like bleeding or a change in bowel habit—the disease may have advanced.
You want to catch issues when treatment can be less invasive and more effective. A screening that finds a small polyp, for example, lets doctors remove it before it turns cancerous. Even if you have no risk factors, a routine check every one to two years can help you stay on top of your health.
What Happens if Screening Finds Something?
When you’re scheduled for colorectal cancer screening in Singapore, there are two possibilities; the results can be positive or negative. Like any other person, positive result can feel worrying.
The good news is that it does not always mean you have cancer. It simply indicates that your bowel needs a closer assessment. Here’s what usually happens if screening finds something:
The first thing that your doctor will do is to review your screening report. As they do this, they will explain what the test caught—blood, polyps or unusual tissue patterns.
They will also ask about your personal and family history of bowel issues to understand your risk. After that, you may need to schedule a diagnostic colonoscopy if you haven’t had one.
This exam lets the doctor see the exact spot of concern and take a small tissue sample (biopsy). A day before the colonoscopy, you will be required to follow a clear-fluid diet and take laxatives so your bowel is empty and the view is clear.
After the colonoscopy, the lab will examine any biopsy samples and the process can take up to ten days. Your doctor then books a follow-up appointment to explain the findings. At this stage, you learn whether the growth was benign (non-cancerous), pre-cancerous or cancerous.
If the result shows non-cancerous polyps, the doctor will explain how often to repeat screening. For pre-cancerous or cancerous tissue, you move straight to treatment planning.
Is Singapore Good for Cancer Treatment?
If biopsy or scans confirm cancer, the best next step is to move to treatment. If you had your assessments in Singapore you might wonder; is Singapore good for cancer treatment?
The answer is yes, Singapore is generally considered good for cancer treatment all thanks to its well-regarded healthcare system, advanced facilities, and a comprehensive approach to cancer care. This includes specialised treatment options like proton therapy. Based on the stage and location of your tumour, here are the treatment options you may be recommended after your colorectal cancer screening in Singapore:
- Polypectomy or endoscopic mucosal resection: This is best for small growths caught early. The doctors will remove polyps through the colonoscope and you skip open surgery. This procedure allows for faster recovery often within days.
- Surgery: In more advanced cases, the surgeon may choose to remove the affected bowel segment. Minimally invasive “keyhole” techniques use small cuts, which means less pain and quicker recovery.
- Chemotherapy: You may need drug treatment if the cancer has spread or has a high risk of coming back. Some people get it before surgery to make the tumour smaller. Others get it after surgery to help kill any cancer cells that might still be in the body.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment uses strong energy beams to kill cancer cells. It’s mostly used for rectal cancer, often before surgery. Sometimes, it’s combined with chemotherapy to make the treatment work better.
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: These treatments for cancer work by either attacking certain features of the cancer or helping your immune system fight it better. Your doctor will run genetic tests on the tumour cells to check if these treatments might help you.
- Supportive care: Supportive care means helping you feel better while you’re having treatment. This includes managing pain, giving advice on what to eat, and offering counselling. Many clinics in Singapore have a care team to support you with your diet, handle side effects, and look after your mental health.
Wrapping Up
If your screening finds something, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer. Nonetheless, it is still wise to act without delay. Here’s how to move forward:
Call the clinic or use their online system (if they have) to schedule a colonoscopy or biopsy. Mention your recent screening result to speed up the process.
Once you’ve gotten in touch, you will be given clear steps on diet, laxatives or fasting before tests. Be sure to follow them closely so doctors get accurate views.
On the day of your appointment, please bring any past test reports, medicines list and family history notes to give your doctor full context. A good doctor will be happy to address any questions you might have about your diagnosis and any treatments they recommend.
That said, take your time to write down any doubts—about the tests, treatments or cost. You might want to hop onto a quick phone call before your appointment to save time and stress.
As you arrange all these, we recommend letting a trusted friend or family member know your schedule. Share transport plans and bring someone for company on test days.
Do you wish to learn more about colorectal cancer screening in Singapore and take action? Why not book your colorectal cancer screening with us today. As earlier explained, timely follow-up can make all the difference—and you don’t have to face it alone. To book an appointment, call or visit us at;
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Rd, #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, Singapore 258500
Phone: +65 6355 5773
