Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2012 -- Cancer of the colon or rectum, also known as colorectal cancer, is the most common cancer in Singapore. Statistics from the Singapore Cancer Registry have shown an increase in colorectal cancer: an annual rate of approximately 2.6% and 2.35%, for men and women, respectively.

While cases of colorectal cancer have similarly increased in developed countries, improvements in technology such as colon screening (colonoscopy) and Faecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT) identify colon cancer in very early stages when it is still highly treatable. As a result, the general rate of mortality for both men and women suffering from colorectal cancer in developed countries has been reduced. In the US, the death rate from colorectal cancer has decreased in both men and women for the past 20 years.

However, figures in Singapore tell a different, sad story: The mortality rate from colorectal cancer has gone up, from an average of 675 deaths annually from 2005 to 2009, to an average of 687 deaths annually from 2006 to 2010.
THREE (3) IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT COLON CANCER ALL SINGAPOREANS SHOULD KNOW

1. Colorectal cancer can be non-fatal
Dr Ang Peng Tiam, Medical Director and Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, Parkway Cancer Centre (PCC), emphasised: “Colorectal cancer can be prevented and cured if detected early. Early detection and early treatment of colorectal cancer is the key to success. Unfortunately, the level of colorectal cancer awareness is rather low.”

In the 2010 National Health Survey, only 27.8% and 14.2% of Singaporeans aged 50 to 69 years reported having had a FOBT and colonoscopy at least once respectively. Most were unable to name a single symptom of colorectal cancer and were unaware of screening as an important tool against the development of colorectal cancer.

2. Two (2) common screening modalities for colorectal cancer.

There are a number of colorectal cancer screening modalities. Common in Singapore are FOBT and colonoscopy:

FOBT:

Procedure
- Simple, quick test that can be conducted at home.
- Detects small amounts of blood that may be present in stools which may indicate the early stages of colorectal cancer.

Accuracy
- Detects small traces of blood in the stool that may be invisible to the naked eye which could be an early symptom of colorectal cancer.
- Does not show signs of polyps – growths of tissue that only a colonoscopy screening will detect.

Target population
- 50 years and above

Frequency
- 2 tests samples taken from 2 different days once a year even without symptoms

Cost
- Free kits are available from Singapore Cancer Society and participating Guardian outlets

Colonoscopy:

Procedure
- A flexible optic fibre tube is gently inserted through the anus and slowly navigated into the colon to view the lining of the rectum and the colon.
- The patient will be lightly sedated throughout the 15 to 30 minute screening.

Accuracy
- Detects polyps growing in the colon and rectum which may be cancerous. Early detection of cancerous polyps has shown to reduce the risk of death by 60 to 90 percent.

Target Population
- 50 years and above; people in high risk category

Cost
- CPF Medisave claimable*

*refer to information on page 2

3. Colonoscopy is CPF Medisave claimable
Of all the clinical screening modalities for colorectal cancer executed under the supervision of health professionals, only colonoscopy is CPF Medisave claimable with effect from 1st July 2011. Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents can use their Medisave to pay for most of the cost, thus making the test more affordable and accessible.

Package
Mount Elizabeth Hospital & Gleneagles Hospital:
For Diagnostic Colonoscopy (no polyps seen or removed)
Total fees (inclusive of doctors’ fee and 7% GST) :$1,350
Medisave Claimable: $1,250

Parkway East Hospital:
For Diagnostic Colonoscopy (no polyps seen or removed)
Total fees (inclusive of doctors’ fee and 7% GST) : $1,300
Medisave Claimable: $1,250

Note: Listed price is effective till 30 June 2012.

COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES BY PARKWAY CANCER CENTRE
PCC aims to educate the public about colon health and the options available for early detection of colorectal cancer, thus encouraging colorectal cancer screening tests through a series of activities during the month of March, which is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
1. Seminar

Supported by PCC and organised by 938Live, Your Stomach and Colon Health seminar explores various aspects of gastro-intestinal health including prevention and treatment of colorectal conditions. Panel of doctors includes leading medical specialists from Parkway Cancer Centre, Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Gleneagles hospital.

Venue: Sheraton Towers, Ballroom 1 & 2, Level 2, 39 Scotts Road, Singapore 228230
Topic: Your Stomach and Colon Health
Date: 31st March 2012
Time: 12pm to 3.30pm

For more information and ticket sales, visit www.ticketbooth.com.sg. Tickets are selling at SGD11 for 1 person, and SGD16 for 2 people.

2. Colon Health Day Carnival

Find out about colon and intestinal health at Colon Health Carnival supported by PCC, organised by Gleneagles hospital. Carnval includes a Chinese Seminar. Please find the details below:

Venue: Gleneagles Hospital, 6A Napier Road Singapore 258500
Date: 31st March 2012
Time: 1pm to 6pm

Admission is free. For more information,
1. log on to http://www.parkwaycancercentre.com, or
2. call the hotline at +65 6854 6692 (Mon to Fri 8:30am to 5:30pm), or
3. email events@parkway.sg

About Parkway Cancer Centre
Parkway Cancer Centre offers comprehensive cancer treatment with a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team comprising of consultant medical specialists, nurses, counsellors and other para-medical professionals to meet the specific needs of cancer patients. The Centre uses the latest technologies in cancer treatment to help patients access proven innovative therapies for the best clinical outcomes. Committed to providing a comprehensive holistic treatment of cancers in a safe and comfortable environment, the Centre ensures that patients are well-attended to by caring and experienced professionals.