Colorectal Cancer Screening. Why you need to do it now!

The article highlighted that colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant and growing health concern in Singapore, being the most common cancer in men and the second most common in women. The author, Dr. Charles Tsang, emphasizes the critical importance of early screening for improving survival rates, as many individuals are diagnosed at a late stage. The article outlines two main screening methods: the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), a simple, non-invasive annual stool test proven to reduce mortality by 33%, and the colonoscopy, which is considered the preferred prevention strategy because it can detect and remove precancerous polyps. Despite public awareness campaigns and the availability of subsidized or free test kits in Singapore, the article notes that screening uptake is low and strongly encourages individuals aged 50 and above to participate in regular screening to combat the rising burden of the disease.