Faster and more accurate method to detect colorectal cancer

The Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has introduced a new machine which can detect colorectal cancer, faster and more accurately.

It counts the number of red blood cells in stool samples. Abnormally high levels could indicate a tumour.

SGH has tried this method on over 120 patients in the past two years. And the hospital says the machine has a 95 per cent accuracy rate of detection.

The more common method of determining the likelihood of tumours is by testing for the presence of blood and this has an accuracy rate of only 50 per cent.

This method is also affected by diet and medication
"So this particular number will then tell us whether this amount of blood in the stools is actually physiological, in other words normal, or something pathological, which means you need further tests," says Associate Professor Eu Kong Weng, Head, Department of Colorectal Surgery, SGH.

With this new machine, doctors say it reduces the need for unnecessary and painful colonoscopy.

There are over 1,500 new cases of colorectal cancer each year.

Unfortunately, two-thirds of patients find out only when it is too late.

And with some 600 deaths each year, colorectal cancer is the most common cause of death among Singaporeans.

Doctors say the cancer can be easily treated, if it is detected early.

To help raise awareness of the disease, SGH will be distributing (1,000) free test kits to the public in Raffles City this weekend. - CNA/yy