Why Screen for Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer usually develops slowly from polyps that can be removed before they turn cancerous. Screening detects cancer early — when it's highly treatable — and prevents cancer by removing polyps. It is one of the few cancers that screening can actually prevent, not just detect.
Screening Options
A simple home test for hidden blood in the stool, recommended yearly for average-risk people from age 50. Low-cost (subsidised/free in national programmes). A positive result needs a colonoscopy.
The gold standard — a camera examines the entire colon, and polyps can be removed during the same procedure. Usually repeated every 10 years if normal (sooner if polyps or risk factors).
Who Should Be Screened?
- Average risk: From age 50 — yearly FIT or colonoscopy every 10 years.
- Family history of colorectal cancer: Earlier and more frequent colonoscopy, as advised.
- Symptoms (rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, anaemia): see a doctor promptly — this is assessment, not routine screening.
What to Expect at Colonoscopy
You'll take bowel-preparation laxatives the day before to empty the colon. The procedure is done under sedation and takes around 20–45 minutes; most people feel little and recover quickly. Polyps found are usually removed and sent for analysis. You'll need someone to accompany you home after sedation.
Frequently Asked Questions
See who practises in this field: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
Browse colorectal surgeons →A private screening colonoscopy typically costs roughly S$1,500–S$3,000+ including sedation, facility and polyp removal/biopsy if needed. Subsidised rates apply at public hospitals. Screening colonoscopy and polyp removal are partially Medisave-claimable subject to limits.
For average-risk individuals, screening is recommended from age 50 — either a yearly FIT stool test or a colonoscopy every 10 years. People with a family history or symptoms should start earlier, as advised by their doctor.
A FIT (stool) test is simple, low-cost and a good first-line screen for average-risk people; a positive result must be followed by colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the gold standard — it examines the whole colon and removes polyps in one sitting. Your doctor can advise based on your risk.
Approved screening and diagnostic colonoscopy, including polyp removal, may be partially Medisave-claimable subject to set limits. Coverage depends on whether it's screening or diagnostic. Confirm specifics with the clinic and CPF Board.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.