Colorectal cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Singapore, over 50,000 Singaporeans screened for colorectal cancer through the SCS FIT screening service in 2016 and 4,739 people were tested positive for blood in the stool.
Colorectal cancer does not differentiate between men and women and it is one of Singapore’s top diagnosed cancer. Early detection can lead to better survival outcomes and improve quality of life for individuals at risk of cancer. When signs of pre-cancer or cancer growths are detected in the early stages, the chances of recovery and survival are much higher for the individual.
From 1 March 2017, as part of the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) annual campaign, SCS Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits will be distributed at no charge to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents aged 50 years old and above to encourage them to go for regular screening and follow up. The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit helps to screen for small amounts of blood in a person’s stools which may be due to various causes, for example, polyps or colorectal cancer. The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a simple, non-invasive screening test which can be self-administered in the privacy of one’s own home, and does not require any fasting or changes to the individual’s diet. Where blood is detected in the stools, your doctor will advise on further tests to confirm the condition.
As part of the campaign, the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) will distribute free colorectal screening kits at SingHealth and National Healthcare Group Polyclinics in the month of March (1 – 31 March 2017). The kits will be available at 68 Guardian outlets and Singapore Cancer Society office.
Where the SCS FIT can be collected:
- All Polyclinics island wide (1 March to 31 March 2017)
- 68 Guardian Health & Beauty Stores (1 March to 30 April 2017)
- 29 Watsons Personal Care Stores (All year round)
- Unity Family Medicine Clinic (All year round)
- Singapore Cancer Society (All year round)
For more information, please visit www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg.
We actually use the squat stool here at the nursing homes. It should be your first step against colorectal cancer as it helps you to eliminate completely.