Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Many think life-saving cancer test is expensive

SINGAPORE — It is a test that could save their lives, but many people have the mistaken belief that a colonoscopy screening — a procedure to detect the most common cancer here — is expensive.

SINGAPORE — It is a test that could save their lives, but many people have the mistaken belief that a colonoscopy screening — a procedure to detect the most common cancer here — is expensive.

A recent study found that more than 80 per cent of those interviewed cited cost as one of the main reasons stopping them from undergoing a test for colorectal cancer.

The study, published in the July issue of the journal BioMed Central Public Health, involved more than 1,700 people above the age of 50. It was conducted between 2007 and 2008 by researchers from the National University Hospital (NUH), the National University of Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.

A colonoscopy screening examination costs about S$1,000 — and can go as low as S$250 for subsidised patients. Since the Ministry of Health extended Medisave coverage to include colonoscopy in June 2011, a patient can claim up to S$950 from his Medisave to pay for the test.

Colorectal cancer makes up 17.6 per cent of cancers in men and 13.6 per cent of cancers in women. However, despite almost 90 per cent of respondents agreeing that a colonoscopy could save lives, only 26.7 per cent said they were up to date with their screening.

“The disconnect between people’s knowledge of colorectal cancer and screening, and the rate of screening is very worrying,” said Dr Reuben Wong, a Consultant from NUH’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and the study’s principal investigator.

Besides cost, fear and embarrassment — especially for women — were other reasons why those interviewed were reluctant to do a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is, in fact, a painless procedure. To reduce embarrassment, one possibility is to have more female doctors conduct the scope for female patients, Dr Wong said.

The responsibility of doctors to inform and encourage their patients was also reinforced by the survey. It found that upon their doctors’ advice, men were 3.5 times more likely to go for screening, and women, 2.35 times.

The study recommended educating doctors further about the importance of their role to inform patients about screening. “Even when the patient comes in for something completely unrelated, it’s important to take the time to explain the screening to them,” Dr Wong said.

Madam Irene Tan, 59, who was referred to Dr Wong after being treated for gastric problems, decided to do a colonoscopy after he pointed out that it had been more than five years since her last scope in 2007.

Two polyps were found in Mdm Tan, none cancerous. “At least now I have peace of mind,” she said, whose family history puts her in the “increased risk” category.

Researchers also suggest creating easier referral routes for general practitioners and other doctors to refer patients for screening — which can only be done by gastroenterologists or colorectal surgeons.

“Screen even if you’re symptom-free, don’t wait until you have symptoms, because then it’s too late,” Dr Wong said.

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.