By Ezra Julia
Colorectal screening is one of the medical tests that is highly recommended for people who are aged 45 and above. Even if your risk of developing any type of condition or disease that affect the colon and rectum, it is still imperative that you undergo this screening to ensure that your lower GI tract is in a healthy state. It is also important that you are financially prepared for medical tests like Colonoscopy. You can learn more about the cost of Colonoscopy, its purpose, and other useful information in this article.
Colonoscopy: What is it for?
According to a report published online by CNA, the Singapore Cancer Registry lodged cases of colorectal cancer affecting close to 10,000 men and women in Singapore from 2011 to 2015. This fatal disease was more common among men than women. Despite the staggering number of cases, individuals who are diagnosed with this disease are not without hope. The news report also shared that the rates for surviving this dreaded condition are also on the rise.
One of the factors that contribute to the increasing survival rate is early detection of colorectal cancer symptoms. The most effective way to do this is by undergoing Colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy is a method of screening that allows your doctor to check the health of your colon and rectum. To do this, a medical tool, called a colonoscope, is inserted into your rectum and is maneuvered carefully through your large intestine. The colonoscope’s tiny camera projects the images of your gut lining to a monitor. Your doctor then examines these visuals and checks for any abnormalities that indicate the presence of colorectal cancer. Your doctor may also perform polypectomy or polyp removal simultaneously during your colon screening. A polyp is a growth of abnormal cells found in the lining of the colon. This clump of cells are usually harmless, but that does not mean that they cannot develop into cancer. Hence, it is crucial that these abnormal growths are removed and sent to a lab for further testing.
A simple colonoscopy procedure is done as an outpatient procedure. This can be performed in a public or private hospital or at a gastroenterologist’s clinic.
How much does Colonoscopy cost in Singapore?
A lot of people usually put off or delay getting their health checked because they think that the medical tests are expensive, when in reality, these tests could be their life saver. Discovering a disease later will rack up more expenses, especially when hospitalization and medications are factored in. Sometimes, the late diagnosis of a condition costs even more than your fortune—it costs your life.
Spending for your health should not cause you any burden. If you feel like you need to undergo a colorectal screening early on or if you are nearing the age of 45, it is best that you are prepared financially prior to booking your Colonoscopy procedure to not strain your daily budget.
There are various factors that can influence the cost of Colonoscopy. These factors include:
- Doctors’ fees (surgeon and anesthetist)
- The kind of procedures involved
- The facility where the procedure is done
Below are the range of the fee benchmarks for this kind of procedure:
| Type of Colonoscopy | Public Centers or Hospitals
(Subsidised) |
Public Centres or Hospitals
(Unsubsidised) |
Private Clinics or Hospitals |
| With or without biopsy for screening | ~$400 | ~$1,800 | $1,600 – $2,500* |
| With or without biopsy for diagnosis | $700 – $2,000 | $1,700 – $5,500 | $1,600 – $2,500* |
| With removal of growth (Single or less than 1cm) | $1,000 – $2,300 | $2,500 – $6,000 | $2,000 – $3,000* |
| With removal of growth (Multiple or more than 1cm) | $1,200 – $2,300 | ~$3,500 | $2,200 – $3,000* |
*MOH recommended range of doctors fees (surgeon and anesthetist).
Your colonoscopy procedure may cost less if you have a medical insurance. It can also be covered by Medisave. Some private clinics provide counseling services for patients to discuss the costs of a colonoscopy procedure.
Are there other tests that should be done with Colonoscopy?
Depending on your symptoms and initial evaluation during your consultation, your doctor may recommend other diagnostic tests alongside getting a colonoscopy procedure. Do note that the fees for any additional test differ from colonoscopy costs.
Where do I go for a colonoscopy screening?
The best specialists to go to for a colonoscopy screening are gastroenterologists.
A gastroenterologist is a doctor that specializes in gastrointestinal conditions and diseases. They have undergone several years of medical education and have had proper training in operating a colonoscope. They also have training in removing polyps, although some may refer patients to a more expert specialists to handle more complicated cases of polyp growth.
The success of your colonoscopy screening highly relies on the experience and knowledge of the doctor handling your procedure. Because of their extensive training, gastroenterologists handle colonoscopes best. They are much more experienced in identifying colorectal cancer and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum as compared to non-gastroenterologists.
How often should you have a colonoscopy?
For people who are over the age of 45, it is recommended that they undergo a colonoscopy procedure every ten years regardless of your gender or the status of your health.
Individuals who have a family history of colorectal cancer should get their lower GI tract screened as soon as they reach the age of 35. Your doctor will then recommend how often you should have a colonoscopy moving forward depending on the results of your screening and your diagnosis.
For patients who have undergone a polypectomy, it is highly recommended that a colonoscopy procedure is done at least after five years following the removal of your polyps.
Aside from colorectal cancer, other colon and rectum conditions may require a follow-up colonoscopy, such as:
- Diverticulosis – at least every five to eight years or depending on your doctor’s recommendation
- Ulcerative colitis – at least every two to five years. If your chances of getting cancer increases, your doctor may recommend a regular schedule of getting colonoscopy.
Final words
Investing in your health is one of the best gifts that you can give to yourself and your loved ones. Now that you are aware of the costs of colonoscopy in Singapore, you can be burdened less with these expenses by preparing beforehand.
Andrea Digestive Clinic
#21-11/12 Royal Square at Novena 101
Irrawaddy Road Singapore 329565
https://andrea-digestive-clinic.com
