Question
Hi Yvette,
A colonoscopy is the most accurate screening test for colon cancer in Singapore. However, there are risks and costs involved with the procedure.
As such, the stool tests offered (FOBT, FIT) are alternatives for patients who want a low-cost screening tool that determines their need for a colonoscopy. If a stool test is positive, one should undergo a colonoscopy as soon as possible.
Colon surgery can be done via open surgery or via laparoscopic approach ('keyhole surgery'). The feasibility to perform via laparoscopic approach sometimes depends on the stage of the disease. For instance, a locally advanced disease may not be suitable for a laparoscopic approach. In addition, the stage of the disease may also affect the timing of the surgery. For example, a stage 4 disease with distant sites of spread may benefit from a course of chemotherapy first before considering surgery especially if the colon cancer itself is not causing too much symptom.
If you truly have reasons to worry about having colon cancer, please do not delay any longer. It is a well-known fact that survival is best when colon cancers are detected early. If you are 50yr and above or having a significant family history of colon cancer or you have a past history of colon polyps, you automatically fall into a higher risk group for having colon cancer. So many have made the mistake of assuming a benign cause of bleeding just because one has a past history of haemorrhoids. Such assumptions may result in unnecessary delay in making the right diagnosis.
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