I’m nervous about having a colonoscopy; is there an alternative screening method?
Statistics show that colorectal cancer is the number one silent killer in Singapore, topping the list of reported cancers for men. It’s usually discovered only when the cancer has progressed to a later stage – and anxious patients who repeatedly delay their colonoscopy screenings may contribute to this worrying trend.
Patients afraid of a colonoscopy’s discomfort may prefer the less invasive faecal occult blood test (FOBT), which can also detect potential colorectal abnormalities. FOBT is a non-invasive test that involves collecting stool samples and analysing them for hidden blood that can indicate polyps or early-stage cancers.
While FOBT has moderate sensitivity in detecting colorectal abnormalities, it’s essential to acknowledge that FOBT is less sensitive than colonoscopy. It may yield false-positive results due to non-cancer related conditions causing gastrointestinal bleeding, or false negatives if your cancer or polyps do not bleed.
Although not a replacement for colonoscopy, FOBT is an initial screening tool that identifies potential colorectal issues. Even if patients have a positive FOBT result, further diagnostic investigations such as a colonoscopy are still necessary.
Ultimately, the gold standard for the detection of colorectal cancer is through colonoscopy. Rest assured, patients undergoing colonoscopy will be given sedative drugs to minimise discomfort.
To schedule a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) or a colorectal cancer screening, call 6589 8927 or visit alpinesurgical.sg.