Colorectal Cancer Screening & Treatment in Singapore

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If you are experiencing persistent bowel symptoms, it may be time to have them checked. Blood in the stool, changes in your usual bowel routine, or losing weight without trying can be signs of an underlying condition that should not be ignored.

Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery is equipped for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer in Singapore. Get the care you need without delay.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, which together form the large intestine. The terms colon cancer and rectal cancer refer to where the cancer develops along this stretch of bowel. Colon cancer develops in the colon, while rectal cancer develops in the rectum, the final section before the anus. Treatment approaches can differ depending on the location, which is why the distinction matters.

Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps, small growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. The majority of polyps are harmless, but some may develop into malignant tumours over time. Polyps often cause no symptoms in their early stages, which is why screening is important. When colorectal cancer is detected early, treatment options are generally broader and outcomes tend to be more favourable than when it is found at an advanced stage.

Signs, Symptoms, and Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer

Early-stage colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why screening matters for those in certain risk groups. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum
Changes in bowel habits, such as ongoing diarrhoea or constipation
Stool that appears narrower than usual
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps or bloating
Fatigue or weakness, which may occur if bleeding leads to anaemia

These symptoms are often caused by more common conditions such as haemorrhoids or non-cancerous polyps. Still, symptoms that persist beyond a few weeks, recur, or come with bleeding or weight loss should be assessed by a specialist.

Certain factors also raise the risk of colorectal cancer, several common among patients in Singapore:

Age 50 and above
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Diets high in processed or red meat
Smoking and regular alcohol consumption
Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle

Having one or more of these factors does not mean you will develop colorectal cancer, but it may mean screening is appropriate for you.

Do any of these symptoms or risk factors apply to you? Start with a consultation and assessment.

Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented in Singapore?

Colorectal cancer cannot be entirely prevented, but the risk of developing it can be reduced through regular screening and lifestyle measures. Screening, particularly colonoscopy, plays a central role because precancerous polyps can sit in the colon for years without causing symptoms. During a colonoscopy screening, polyps can be identified and removed before they have the chance to develop into cancer.

Lifestyle adjustments also contribute to risk reduction. These include eating a balanced diet with more fibre, fruits, and vegetables, and limiting processed and red meat intake. Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight are also associated with lower colorectal cancer risk, as is avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol consumption. These measures do not replace screening, but they support it.

Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis in Singapore

Colorectal testing falls into two categories. Routine screening is for people who feel well but fall within a risk group, with the aim of detecting early signs before symptoms appear. Diagnostic testing is carried out when you already have symptoms that need investigating.

For screening, we may recommend a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which checks for small amounts of blood in the stool that are not visible to the naked eye and may come from polyps or early cancers. A positive FIT result is usually followed by a colonoscopy. This is also why screening is valuable: it can identify changes at a stage when they are easier to treat, often before you notice anything is wrong.

Diagnosis usually begins with an evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. If there are concerns about possible abnormalities in the colon or rectum, we may recommend further tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:

Colonoscopy: A thin, flexible camera examines the lining of the colon and rectum to identify polyps, abnormal growths, or suspicious areas.
Biopsy: If an abnormal area is found during colonoscopy, a small tissue sample may be taken and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
Imaging Scans: CT or MRI scans may be used to assess whether cancer has spread and to help determine the stage of the disease.
Blood Tests: Certain blood tests may help assess overall health or detect tumour markers that support diagnosis and treatment planning.

The results guide the next steps, whether that means a treatment plan, ongoing monitoring, or a recommended screening interval.

When Should You Get Tested for Colorectal Cancer?

Even without symptoms, you should consider colorectal cancer screening if any of the following apply to you:

You are aged 50 or above, as risk increases with age
You have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, particularly in a first-degree relative
You have inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
You have had polyps removed in a previous colonoscopy and need ongoing surveillance

If you are unsure whether you fall within a screening group, or if you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, a consultation is the right starting point for working out what screening or testing suits you.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options in Singapore

In Singapore, treatment for colorectal cancer is planned around several factors:

Where the tumour is located, in the colon or in the rectum
The stage of the cancer at diagnosis
Your overall health and other medical conditions

A treatment plan is developed after diagnosis and staging are complete, and may involve surgery, non-surgical therapies, or a combination of both. Surgical treatments are often the main approach when colorectal cancer is detected at an early or localised stage, with the aim of removing the tumour and nearby lymph nodes while preserving normal bowel function where possible. Non-surgical treatments may be used before, after, or when surgery is not appropriate and can help shrink tumours, reduce the risk of recurrence, or manage more advanced disease.

Benefits of Early Colorectal Cancer Detection and Treatment

Detecting colorectal cancer at an earlier stage is generally associated with broader treatment options and better outcomes than detection at an advanced stage. When the disease is identified before it has spread beyond the bowel wall, surgery alone may be sufficient, and the need for additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be reduced.

Early detection also makes minimally invasive approaches more feasible. Laparoscopic and robotic techniques typically involve smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to normal activity compared to open surgery. Recovery after surgery for early-stage disease tends to be more straightforward, with fewer long-term effects on bowel function.

Screening, even in the absence of symptoms, is what makes early detection possible. Polyps and early-stage cancers often do not cause noticeable changes, and they are most easily treated at the point when they are not yet causing any.

Colorectal Surgery Cost in Singapore

Because treatment plans are tailored to each patient, the final cost of colorectal surgery depends on several factors. These include:

Cancer Stage: Later-stage disease may require additional treatments beyond surgery, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which add to the overall cost.
Type of Procedure: Different surgical approaches, such as colon resection, rectal surgery, or stoma formation, vary in complexity and duration.
Surgical Technique: Open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches differ in equipment used and operating time, and these differences may be reflected in the cost.
Hospital Stay: The length of hospitalisation, ward type, and the level of post-operative care required all influence total costs.
Diagnostic and Follow-Up Investigations: Imaging scans, biopsies, blood tests, and surveillance colonoscopies contribute to the overall cost of care.

At your consultation, you may discuss insurance coverage, Medisave usage, and available payment options to better understand your total expenses. Specific pricing depends on your individual treatment plan and will be reviewed with you before any procedure is scheduled.

What to Expect After Colorectal Cancer Treatment in Singapore

If surgery is part of your treatment, the body needs time to heal. Recovery time depends on the type of procedure performed, your overall health, and whether further treatments are required.

In the weeks following surgery, it is common to experience:

More frequent bowel movements or looser stools
Abdominal discomfort or fatigue as the body heals
A gradual return to normal eating and daily activities

Bowel habits may continue to adjust over several months. Some patients find that certain foods need to be reintroduced gradually, and a dietitian may be involved if dietary guidance is needed. If a temporary stoma was created during surgery, your doctor will discuss how long it may be needed and whether reversal surgery may be possible at a later stage.

Recovery is also monitored over the longer term. At Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery, we will schedule regular follow-up appointments to track your recovery and check for any signs of recurrence, typically through a combination of:

Physical examinations
Blood tests, including tumour marker levels where appropriate
Imaging scans
Periodic colonoscopy

The frequency and type of follow-up depend on your stage at diagnosis, the treatment received, and how your recovery progresses. Our colorectal specialist will guide you through the process and recommend a follow-up plan based on your individual condition and treatment history.

When to See a Specialist for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Singapore

You should consider seeing a colorectal specialist if any of the following apply:

Persistent bowel symptoms such as bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or abdominal discomfort lasting more than a few weeks
You fall within a higher-risk group, such as adults aged 50 and above, those with a family history of colorectal cancer, or those with inflammatory bowel disease
You have had an abnormal screening result, such as a positive FIT test, and need further evaluation
You have been advised to undergo surveillance after previous polyp removal

At Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery, we provide diagnostic testing and a range of treatment options for colorectal conditions. An early consultation allows symptoms to be evaluated properly and screening to be planned at the appropriate interval for your risk profile.

Why Choose Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery

Advanced Colorectal and General Surgery is a private specialist clinic at Mount Alvernia Hospital, built around the practice of one surgeon, Dr QM Leong. Patients are seen, scoped, and operated on by the same specialist from consultation through to follow-up, covering:

Routine screening and diagnostic colonoscopy, with same-day appointments where clinically suitable
Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, covering colonoscopy and gastroscopy
Elective and emergency colorectal surgery, using laparoscopic or robotic techniques where appropriate

Treatment plans are developed individually around each patient’s diagnosis, stage of disease, and overall health, with a clear explanation of the options and the reasoning behind the recommended approach.

About Dr QM Leong

Colorectal & Hernia Surgeon in Singapore

Dr Leong is a general and colorectal surgeon in Singapore who graduated from the University of London in 2000. He obtained his membership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2003 and joined Tan Tock Seng Hospital in the same year. He began his Advanced Specialist Training in 2005 and passed his fellowship exams in 2008. In 2010, he was awarded the Ministry of Health HMDP scholarship to train under Professor Kim Seon Hahn at Korea University in laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery.

Dr Leong performs Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery, a minimally invasive technique that uses smaller incisions and shorter recovery times, alongside a range of minimally invasive general surgery procedures. He is an experienced endoscopist, having performed more than 10,000 diagnostic and therapeutic procedures across both elective and emergency surgical conditions.

He also trains basic and advanced specialist trainees in laparoscopic surgery and proctors consultant surgeons in complex colorectal cases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorectal Cancer Screening and Treatment

What are the common symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer commonly presents with persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea or constipation, blood in the stool, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms are not exclusive to colorectal cancer and may be caused by more common conditions such as haemorrhoids. Because symptoms can overlap, persistent or recurring changes should be assessed by a specialist rather than monitored at home.

What are the stages of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is classified into four main stages. Stage I is limited to the inner layers of the colon or rectum. Stage II has grown through the muscle layer but has not reached the lymph nodes. Stage III has spread to nearby lymph nodes but not to distant organs. Stage IV is the most advanced stage, where cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver or lungs. Detection at an earlier stage is generally associated with broader treatment options and more favourable outcomes. Learn how the extent of disease is determined in our article on Colon Cancer Staging.

How long does colorectal cancer treatment usually take?

Treatment duration depends on the stage of cancer and the approach taken. Early-stage colorectal cancer may involve surgery followed by a relatively short recovery period, while more advanced stages may require several months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of treatments. The timeline is tailored to your individual condition and how you respond to therapy, and your specialist will outline an expected schedule once a plan is in place.

Can colorectal cancer return after treatment?

Yes, colorectal cancer can recur after treatment, and recurrence is more likely with cancer that was detected at a more advanced stage. This is why regular follow-up and monitoring are part of post-treatment care, as they allow any recurrence to be identified early. Your specialist in Singapore will recommend a surveillance schedule based on your stage at diagnosis and the treatment you received.

How reliable are colorectal cancer screening tests?

Colorectal cancer screening tests are well established, though no single test is completely accurate. Colonoscopy is considered the most thorough option because it allows direct examination of the bowel lining and removal of polyps during the same procedure. The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) detects hidden blood in the stool and is useful for routine screening, but a positive result is usually followed by a colonoscopy to confirm the cause. Regular testing at the recommended intervals supports early detection.

What preparations are needed before a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy requires the bowel to be cleared beforehand so the lining can be examined clearly. This usually involves following a clear liquid diet and taking a prescribed bowel preparation solution in the day or two before the procedure. The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), by contrast, requires minimal preparation and only a stool sample. Your clinic will provide specific instructions ahead of your appointment.

How can colorectal cancer screening help detect cancer early?

Screening can detect colorectal cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage, often before any symptoms appear. It can also identify precancerous polyps, which can be removed during colonoscopy before they have the chance to develop into cancer. Detecting the disease early, or preventing it at the polyp stage, is associated with broader treatment options and better outcomes.

What is recovery like after colorectal cancer surgery?

Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed, your overall health, and whether further treatment is needed. In the weeks following surgery, it is common to experience more frequent or looser bowel movements, some abdominal discomfort, and fatigue as the body heals, with a gradual return to normal eating and activity. Bowel habits may continue to settle over several months. If a temporary stoma was created, your doctor will discuss how long it is needed and whether reversal may be possible later.

What factors affect colorectal surgery costs in Singapore?

The cost of colorectal surgery depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the type of procedure, and the surgical technique used, whether open, laparoscopic, or robotic. The length of hospital stay, ward type, and any diagnostic or follow-up investigations such as scans, biopsies, and surveillance colonoscopies also contribute to the total. At your consultation, you can discuss insurance coverage, Medisave usage, and payment options, and pricing for your individual plan will be reviewed before any procedure is scheduled.

When should I see a colorectal cancer specialist in Singapore?

You should consider seeing a colorectal specialist if you have persistent bowel symptoms such as bleeding, a change in bowel habits, or abdominal discomfort lasting more than a few weeks. A consultation is also appropriate if you have had an abnormal screening result, such as a positive FIT test, or if you fall within a higher-risk group based on age, family history, or inflammatory bowel disease. An early consultation allows symptoms to be evaluated and screening to be planned at the appropriate interval for your risk profile.

Insurance

Our surgery is on the panel of most of the major insurance companies and if you are covered by corporate insurance, you may be entitled to a cashless visit to our clinic.