Bowel cancer screening in Singapore
Bowel cancer often starts as a small polyp that causes no symptoms. Screening finds polyps before they turn into cancer, and a colonoscopy can remove them in the same visit. Routine screening starts at 50 for most people, earlier if bowel cancer runs in your family.
Do you need screening?
Three questions for general guidance. Your answers are not stored or sent anywhere.
Answer all three questions to see what applies to you.
What are the ways to screen for bowel cancer?
Stool test (FIT)
Once a year, from age 50
A small sample is collected at home and checked for hidden blood. It is quick and needs no preparation. A positive result is followed by a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy
Every 5 to 10 years if normal
A camera examines the whole colon and rectum under sedation. Polyps are removed during the test.
Learn moreAssessment for symptoms
At any age, when needed
Bleeding, a lasting change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss or anaemia are investigated, not screened for. Piles are common, but they should not be assumed.
Learn more
When should I see a specialist instead of screening?
Arrange a prompt assessment for new or recurring bleeding, and see a specialist for any of these that last more than a few weeks. Most causes are not cancer, but only an examination can say so.
Changes in bowel habit
A lasting change in how often you go, or in the stool itself.
Bleeding
Blood on the paper, in the bowl or mixed with stool. Black, tarry stools need same-day care.
Pain, lump or weight loss
Ongoing lower abdominal discomfort, a lump near the back passage, unexplained weight loss, tiredness or anaemia.
Same-day care
Black, tarry stools, heavy bleeding, feeling faint, severe abdominal pain with fever, or a swollen abdomen with no stool or wind passing need same-day attention. Call 995 or go to an emergency department.
What happens at a screening visit?
Step 1
Talk and examine
Dr Wong asks about symptoms, family history and past tests, and examines you if needed. Bring earlier results.
Step 2
Choose the test
You agree whether a stool test or a colonoscopy suits you, and the written preparation and cost estimate are explained.
Step 3
The colonoscopy
Done as day surgery under sedation, usually 20 to 40 minutes. Polyps found are removed and sent for testing.
Step 4
Results and next check
You are told what was found and when your next check is due.
What does screening cost, and can I use MediSave?
Fees are guided by Ministry of Health benchmarks and depend on the test and what is found. MediSave can often be used for an eligible colonoscopy, within withdrawal limits, and the clinic checks this and explains the figures before you decide.
How fees and insurance workWho will do my screening?
Dr Wong Nan-Yaw is an accredited specialist in general surgery with a focus on colorectal conditions, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, in private practice at Mount Elizabeth since 2008.
Read his backgroundWhat else do people ask about screening?
Is colonoscopy the best way to screen for bowel cancer?
Both a yearly stool test (FIT) and a colonoscopy are accepted ways to screen. FIT is simple and done at home, but a positive result still needs a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy looks at the whole bowel and removes polyps in the same visit, so it is often chosen for people at higher risk or who have never been screened.
Do I need screening if I feel well?
Yes, from age 50 for most people. Polyps and early bowel cancers usually cause no symptoms, which is why screening exists. Bleeding, a lasting change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss or anaemia are different: they need assessment at any age.
How often should I be screened?
For average risk, national guidance is a FIT every year, or a colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years if the result is normal. People with a close relative who had bowel cancer or polyps, or who have had polyps themselves, are usually checked earlier and more often. Dr Wong will set the interval for you.
What if my stool test is positive?
A positive FIT does not mean you have cancer. It means there is blood in the stool, which has several causes, and the bowel needs to be looked at, usually with a colonoscopy.
Is a colonoscopy painful or risky?
Most people are sedated and remember little. Bloating afterwards is common. Serious complications such as bleeding after polyp removal or a tear in the bowel wall are uncommon, and Dr Wong goes through them with you before the test. The colonoscopy page lists the risks in full.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can call the clinic to book directly. A letter from your general practitioner and any earlier results are helpful to bring.
Sources
- HealthHub: Colorectal cancer
- HealthHub: Screening for colorectal cancer
- Singapore Cancer Society: Screening for colorectal cancer
- Ministry of Health: Colorectal cancer screening
Reviewed by Dr Wong Nan-Yaw, 2 November 2026.