Picture having the ability to stop cancer before it begins. That’s not a fantasy—it’s the reality of colonoscopy screening. This easy test has saved thousands of lives by finding colorectal cancer in its earliest, most curable stages, or even stopping it from happening altogether by removing precancerous polyps.
A Stitch in Time Saves Lives
Colorectal cancer is the third most common worldwide cancer in women and men. The sad thing about this figure is that this figure is that it’s also one of the preventable cancers, if detected early.
Unlike most screening tests, which can only detect cancer that has already formed, a colonoscopy can actually prevent cancer from forming. While a patient is undergoing testing, physicians can detect and remove polyps—small tumors on the rectum or colon that could become cancer if left alone.
“The best treatment is prevention,” says Dr. Tan, a colonoscopy screening Singapore gastroenterologist. “By removing polyps before they become cancerous, we can lower an individual’s risk for colorectal cancer by up to 90%.”
When Should You Get Screened?
Most health experts recommend periodic colonoscopy screenings beginning at age 50 for those at average risk. But if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, your doctor might recommend that you start earlier.
In Singapore colonoscopy screening clinics, doctors do follow these international guidelines but also consider local patterns of disease. Singapore has seen rising incidences of colorectal cancer over the last few decades and hence needs regular screening even more.
Breaking Down the Fear Barrier
Although proven to be beneficial, colonoscopy screening is shunned by many due to embarrassment, fear, or ignorance concerning the procedure.
“The preparation is typically what concerns people the most,” says a nurse at a colonoscopy screening Singapore facility. “But preparation techniques have come a long way since it was first introduced, and most patients will tell us afterward that it wasn’t half as terrible as they anticipated.”
And as for the procedure itself, patients are sedated to make them comfortable. Most individuals don’t even recall the exam afterward and are amazed at how fast and painless the process was.
The Real Numbers
Consider these facts:
- If detected at the initial stage, the survival rate for 5 years with colorectal cancer is more than 90%.
- When found in later stages, that percentage falls to as low as 14%
- Regular screening can lower the risk of death from colorectal cancer by as much as 70%
These figures do the talking. A couple of hours of your time could add years to your life.
Beyond Cancer Detection
A colonoscopy is not only capable of finding cancer and polyps. The procedure can also diagnose other illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulosis, and bleeding sources. This makes it an extremely useful diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of a variety of digestive symptoms.
The majority of colonoscopy screening Singapore facilities offer comprehensive digestive health assessments, which adds to the worth of the procedure as a preventive health measure.
Making the Decision
If you’re approaching 50 or have risk factors for colorectal cancer, having a conversation with your doctor about colonoscopy screening should be a priority. Some risk factors include:
- Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Certain genetic syndromes
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, heavy alcohol use, or a diet high in red meat
The Bottom Line
The momentary discomfort of preparation and the short procedure are small fees to pay for the peace of mind and possibly life-saving advantages of colonoscopy screening. Preventive healthcare has few options that provide such an obvious return on investment.
Keep in mind that the earlier you screen for cancer, the better. By that time, it may already be too late for the best treatments. Take control of your health now—the future you will be glad you did.
