Medical Director
Senior Consultant, General & Colorectal Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Digestive issues can be easy to ignore. Occasional bloating, changes in bowel habits or mild abdominal discomfort are often brushed aside as stress, diet or ageing. However, some symptoms should not be left to guesswork.
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum using a thin, flexible tube fitted with a small camera. While many people feel anxious about the idea of the test, it remains one of the most reliable ways to investigate persistent digestive symptoms and screen for serious conditions such as colorectal cancer.
Understanding why a colonoscopy is recommended can help ease concerns and highlight its role in protecting long-term gastrointestinal health.
5 Common Reasons to Undergo a Colonoscopy
Here are five common reasons doctors may advise undergoing this procedure:
1. Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Singapore. According to the Singapore Cancer Society, it is the most common cancer among men and the second most common among women. The condition often develops silently, without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Because of this, screening plays a critical role in early detection. The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore recommends that individuals at average risk begin routine colorectal cancer screening from the age of 50.
A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal screening. It allows doctors to directly examine the lining of the colon and rectum for suspicious growths or tumours. Detecting colorectal cancer at an early stage significantly improves treatment options and survival outcomes.
2. Identifying and Removing Pre-cancerous Polyps
Most colorectal cancers begin as small growths known as polyps. While many polyps are harmless, certain types, particularly adenomatous polyps, can gradually develop into cancer over several years.
One major advantage of colonoscopy is that it is both diagnostic and therapeutic. If polyps are found during the procedure, they can usually be removed immediately through a polypectomy. By removing these growths before they become malignant, colonoscopy does not only detect cancer but actively helps prevent it.
3. Screening for High-risk Individuals
Some individuals face a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and may require earlier or more frequent screening. Risk factors include:
- A family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps in a first-degree relative
- Inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or previous polyps
In these cases, doctors may recommend starting colonoscopy screening before the age of 50 and repeating it at shorter intervals. This closer surveillance allows for earlier detection of changes in individuals who are more susceptible to colorectal disease.
4. Investigating Persistent Symptoms
Colonoscopy is used both for screening and to investigate unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms. When changes in digestive health persist, a doctor may recommend this procedure to identify the underlying cause.
Symptoms that commonly warrant further evaluation include:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- Changes in bowel habits, such as ongoing diarrhoea or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss or anaemia
These symptoms can arise from a range of conditions, from haemorrhoids to more serious diseases. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to directly examine the bowel, rule out significant concerns and guide appropriate treatment.
5. Assessing Colorectal Conditions
Beyond cancer screening and polyp detection, colonoscopy plays an important role in monitoring other chronic conditions affecting the colon. This includes inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract.
Through colonoscopy, doctors can assess the extent of inflammation, obtain tissue samples for analysis and evaluate how well treatment is working. The procedure is also useful for diagnosing diverticulosis, identifying causes of chronic constipation and investigating other structural abnormalities. Accurate diagnosis supports long-term management and helps reduce the risk of complications such as bowel obstruction or perforation.
Benefits of Undergoing Colonoscopy in Singapore
Singapore’s healthcare system is well-equipped to support safe and effective colorectal screening. Patients undergoing a colonoscopy can expect established clinical standards, modern equipment and structured follow-up care.
Some benefits of undergoing a colonoscopy in Singapore include:
- Access to Experienced Specialists: Colonoscopy procedures are performed by specialists who are experienced in both diagnostic assessment and therapeutic interventions such as polyp removal.
- Modern Imaging Technology: Many medical centres use high-definition colonoscopes and enhanced imaging techniques, such as narrow-band imaging, to improve visual clarity and increase the detection of small or flat polyps.
- Sedation for Comfort: Colonoscopy is typically performed under sedation. This helps reduce discomfort and anxiety, allowing the examination to be completed more comfortably.
- Comprehensive Care: After the procedure, patients receive a review of findings, biopsy results if applicable and recommendations for future screening or treatment. This continuity of care supports appropriate long-term management.
- MediSave Claimability: For Singapore citizens and permanent residents, colonoscopy is generally MediSave-claimable, subject to prevailing withdrawal limits and clinical indications. This can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Prioritise Your Colorectal Health with Dr Chew Min Hoe
Colonoscopy remains one of the most reliable ways to protect and preserve long-term colorectal health. Whether used for routine screening, early cancer detection or monitoring existing conditions, it provides clarity that other tests cannot. Taking a proactive approach to digestive health allows concerns to be addressed early and decisions to be made with confidence, rather than uncertainty.
At our colonoscopy clinic, patients receive comprehensive assessment and colonoscopy services tailored to their individual risk profile and clinical needs. Dr Chew Min Hoe brings extensive experience in colorectal evaluation, screening and minimally invasive procedures. Schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns and take the next step towards safeguarding your colorectal health.