colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a crucial health screening procedure that plays a key role in the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in Singapore. The procedure lets doctors look inside the large intestine for polyps or other abnormalities that could potentially become cancerous. This is a very good diagnostic tool that can significantly improve a patient’s prognosis.
The procedure in itself is relatively straightforward and is performed by a specialist under sedation, making sure the patient is comfortable. A thin, flexible tube with a camera is put in, allowing the doctor to see the colon and remove any polyps found. The entire process usually takes less than an hour, and patients are monitored closely afterward.
In Singapore, the cost of a colonoscopy is made more accessible through various government subsidies and financing here schemes. Patients can use their Medisave to cover a portion of the procedure, and those undergoing the procedure in a public hospital are eligible for further subsidies. This turns the procedure more affordable and promotes more people to go for screening. With a simple preparation and a secure procedure, a colonoscopy is a strong and available tool for maintaining good health and preventing serious illness.