Colorectal Cancer and Screening with Dr Toh Ee Lin
Did you know that in Singapore, the risk of a person getting colorectal cancer during his or her lifetime is 5.6%? That’s about 1 in 20.
Learn more about colorectal cancer, the high risk groups and the type of screenings available in this video with Dr Toh Ee-Lin, General and Colorectal Surgeon from TEN Surgery (a member of Healthway Medical).
Transcript
0:04
I’m Dr. Toh Ee-Lin. I’m a general and colorectal surgeon and I offer services such as screening colonoscopies to detect colorectal cancer. I also do the treatment and surgery for colorectal cancer if it is found.
What are the first signs of having colorectal cancer?
0:19
The common symptoms specifically associated with colorectal cancer include bleeding in the stools, having a change in your bowel habit, as well as things like having a decrease in the stall caliber or even a sensation of incomplete evacuation or clearing of the stools. However, early colorectal cancer may not be associated with any symptoms, and therefore it is necessary to do timely screening for colorectal cancer.
How dangerous is colorectal cancer? Is it curable?
0:50
Colorectal cancer when diagnosed early is a very very treatable disease. When diagnosed in the early stages, a complete surgical removal of the tumor will result in an excellent chance of cure.
Are there screening tests available for colorectal cancer?
1:06
The most easily available screening test for colorectal cancer is the fecal occult blood test or what we call the FOBT. This is usually offered to an average risk individual who does not have any symptoms and also no family history of colorectal cancer.
Individuals who have a first degree relative with colorectal cancer are considered to be at higher risk for colorectal cancer. As such, the ideal screening test is with a colonoscopy. The colonoscopy is also considered to be the gold standard test for colorectal cancer.
A test that is not as invasive as the colonoscopy as the CT colonography, it can detect polyps as small as six millimeters in size. However, without the presence of scope within the colon, it is impossible to remove any tissue for diagnosis. Therefore the patient will still require a colonoscopy if any abnormality is detected.
When should I start screening for colorectal cancer?
2:08
n asymptomatic individuals with no family history of colorectal cancer, you may start screening at the age of 50. In individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, you may want to start screening earlier at the age of about 40 or 10 years younger than the age of the youngest family member with colorectal cancer.
So if you do have any symptoms of concern, or are keen to do a screening colonoscopy, please feel free to approach any one of us at TEN surgery.
Dr Toh Ee-Lin
General & Colorectal Surgeon
TEN Surgery (Mount Elizabeth Novena)
Our Specialist
Dr Toh Ee-Lin is an experienced colorectal and general surgeon who specialises in a variety of surgical/colorectal conditions from minor colorectal to major multidisciplinary surgeries.
She is passionate about women’s health and has a strong interest in locally advanced and recurrent pelvic tumours. In addition, she is also trained in advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgery and endoscopy techniques to ensure quick and safe recovery for her patients.
