Importance of Gastro & Colon cancer screening
Screening is looking for cancer before a person develops any signs or symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.
Stomach Cancer
Top 10 most common cancers
Ranked No. 7
in men
Ranked No. 9
in women
Colon Cancer
Colon and Rectum
Ranked No. 1
in men
Ranked No. 2
in women
*Between 2014 - 2018 according to Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2018.
If you have risk factors that might increase your risk of Stomach/Gastro or Colon Cancer, early detection of any possible development of such cancer may be possible through health or cancer screening for you.
Risk factors for Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer mostly affects older people. The average age of people when they are diagnosed is 68. About 6 of every 10 people diagnosed with stomach cancer each year are 65 or older.
Men are twice as likely to develop stomach cancer as women. People who have a parent, child, or sibling who has had stomach cancer have a higher risk of the disease. Certain inherited genetic disorders, such as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may increase the risk of stomach cancer. People who regularly consume food high in salt has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Risk factors for Colon or Colorectal Cancer
Your risk of colorectal cancer goes up as you age. It is much more common after age 50, however, there is a rising number of adults less than 50 years old that had been diagnosed with this type of cancer in many hospitals and medical reports, singapore and globally.
In addition, if you are experiencing symptoms of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis, colon polyps (small growths on the inner lining of the large intestine, which can progress into cancer), family history of colon cancer, you should consider an early screening for a peace of mind.
How is Stomach cancer screening done
Gastroscopy is a simple and effective mean to assess symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, reflux, difficulty swallowing or weight loss, by inserting a small camera through the mouth to get a clear view of the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine.
The procedure starts with a small amount of anaesthetic, allowing you to sleep through the procedure. Then a small camera is inserted through the mouth, displaying images on a video screen – this procedure is far more effective in detecting inflammation, ulcers or early cancer.
How is Colon cancer screening done
Colonoscopy is done using a small fibre optic video instrument (colonoscope) which gives a far better view of the rectum and large intestine than X-rays, achieving more accurate results. Just as with a Gastroscopy, patients having a Colonoscopy performed will be given a light anaesthetic which will allow them to sleep for the short period of time it takes to complete the procedure.
Preparation prior to Your cancer screening
For your gastrocopy
You shouldn’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure. This includes gum or mints. However, you can usually have clear liquids after midnight up to six hours before the endoscopy if your procedure is in the afternoon.
For your colonscopy
To prep for your colonscopy, your colon has to be empty and clean for your doctor to get a proper look at it. To make that happen, you’ll have to fast and use strong laxatives beforehand. It’s inconvenient and somewhat unpleasant, but it’s temporary. The day before your procedure, you should reframe from eating any solid food, soft and/or liquid form food (low fiber) is recommended as they are easy to digest and leave your system quickly. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of clear liquids, such as sports drinks, clear juice like apple and white grape, and clear broth.
Our medical staffs or customer service executives are always here to answer any inquiries or assist when you arrange for your screening for the detailed list of preparation.
Other cancer screening tests may include:
Urine / Stool Analysis
X-ray
Ultrasound scan
Pap smear
CT scan
MRI
After Your Cancer Screening
It’s important to remember that both of these procedures are simple and very rarely result in complications. Any risks will be discussed with you prior to your procedure, and your doctor will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Because both Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy require a light anaesthetic, you will need to arrange transport to and from the hospital, as this will affect your ability to drive. It is recommended you don’t drive for the following 12 hours and have someone responsible keep an eye on you during this time.