colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a vital health screening procedure that is very important for the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in Singapore. The procedure allows doctors to examine the inner lining of the large intestine for polyps or other abnormalities that could possibly 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 doctor under sedation, ensuring the patient is at ease. A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted, letting the doctor 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 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 powerful and available tool for maintaining good colonoscopy 6.6 35 health and preventing serious illness.