Scope Out Colon Cancer with Colonoscopy

Painless, quick and potentially life-saving – we are here to take a deep dive into how a simple colonoscopy can make all the difference in catching and preventing colon cancer.

Every year, around 3,000 Malaysians are diagnosed with colon cancer. Yet, two-thirds of them are diagnosed at late stages. Some 88% of Malaysians aged 50 and above have never been screened for the cancer.

This worrying trend has persisted for the last 20 years when in reality, colon cancer is considered one of the most preventable cancers.

Understanding Colon Cancer

Colon cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp inside the colon (large intestine) or rectum. Polyps are generally not cancerous, but over time, some can slowly develop into cancer if left untreated

It is the third most common cancer worldwide, predominantly affecting those who:

• Are aged above 45
• Have a family history of colon cancer or polyps
• Have inflammatory bowel disease
• Do not exercise regularly
• Are overweight or diabetic
• Drinks or smokes

In addition to making healthy lifestyle changes, getting a colonoscopy is the most important step you can take to prevent colon cancer.

The Role of Colonoscopy in Prevention

Colonoscopy is a quick, relatively painless, minimally invasive procedure that is used to detect changes and abnormalities in the colon and rectum. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached up through the rectum and towards the large intestine. The camera then transmits a real-time video to a screen for the doctor to examine.

The procedure is your best defence against colon cancer as it not only detects the disease at an early, more treatable stage but it also identifies and removes polyps before they have a chance to turn into cancer.

When should you get screened?

It is recommended that individuals with an average risk of colon cancer start regular colonoscopy screenings from the age of 45.

A colonoscopy may also be recommended to you if you are experiencing these symptoms:

• Blood or pus in the stools
• Unexplained persistent abdominal pain
• Unusual changes in bowel habits, such as frequent diarrhoea or constipation
• Unexplained weight loss

Getting Ready for a Colonoscopy

It is normal to be nervous about a colonoscopy, but it is also worth noting that it is a very safe procedure with little to no discomfort. Most importantly, colonoscopy is lifesaving which far outweighs the inconvenience and possible risks of getting one.

Here at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, we prioritise safety and comfort at every step of our patient’s colonoscopy. Our commitment to international benchmarks for several quality indicators underscores this very commitment, which is underscored by our exceptional track record* below:

• 100% cecal intubation rate.

  A high cecal intubation rate means the complete insertion of the colonoscope to thoroughly examine the entire colon for any precancerous polyps or lesions.

• Zero complication during colonoscopy index admission.

  A high cecal intubation rate means the complete insertion of the colonoscope to thoroughly examine the entire colon for any precancerous polyps or lesions.

• 99% bowel preparation rate against the international benchmark of 90%.

  A high bowel preparation rate indicates that the patient’s bowel is sufficiently cleaned and prepared, leading to more reliable and successful colonoscopies.

• Zero readmission for complications within 72 hours post colonoscopy.

  No patients were readmitted for any complications related to their colonoscopy.

• *Based on a 2023 research conducted on selected elective or daycare colonoscopy cases, by patients who were undergoing gastroscopy and colonoscopy in the same session, at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

Benefits of Early Detection

It is no secret that early detection is key to surviving colon cancer. The cancer is smaller and less likely to spread to other body parts, allowing for an increased range of treatment options with better outcomes.

According to Fight Colorectal Cancer, 68% of deaths from colon cancer could be prevented with screening – and colonoscopy is a very effective procedure in screening, diagnosing and preventing said cancer.

Take Charge of Your Colorectal Health Today

If you are above age 45, have an average risk for colon cancer or exhibit any symptoms of the disease, consider scheduling a colonoscopy at GKL.

For more information, get in touch with our Gastroenterologists:

https://gleneagles.com.my/kuala-lumpur/medical-specialties/gastroenterology