How often should I begin screening for colon cancer, and at what age should I start?

The current local guideline is for Singaporeans to undergo colorectal cancer screening at the age of 50, or earlier if they have a positive family history of the disease.

The American Cancer Society recently reduced the screening start age to 45 years old. While our local authorities have not adopted this yet, it should serve as a reminder for one to consider some form of screening for colorectal cancer when they are approaching 50 years of age.

Speak to your physician on when you should start screening for colorectal cancer if you have a positive family history. The timing depends on the age, degree of relative and number of relatives who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer or it’s associated cancers (e.g. other gastrointestinal cancers, urological cancers, gynaecological cancers)

To understand more about getting a colonoscopy in Singapore, read The Complete Guide To Colonoscopies In Singapore (2018).

Colon cancer is the most common cancer affecting men, and second commonest cancer affecting women, in Singapore.

The Ministry of Health recommends that all Singaporeans without a family history of colorectal cancer should begin colorectal cancer screening at the age of 50.

If you have a history of colorectal cancer among your first degree relatives, you should begin screening earlier (if the youngest family member with colorectal cancer was diagnosed before the age of 60).

Please speak to your doctor first about your options. You may choose to perform an annual stool check for blood or colonoscopy. In rare cases where stool check and colonoscopy are not suitable, radiologic tests can be performed.