Screening for colorectal cancer in Singapore

The incidence of colorectal cancer in Singapore has risen relentlessly since 1955. Today, the large bowel is the most frequent gastrointestinal cancer site among both men and women. Survival with this cancer has shown little improvement during this period. The prospects for further reduction in mortality through more radical surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy, chemo- or immunotherapy remain limited. Theoretically, detection of colorectal cancer at an earlier stage or detection of its precursors will reduce mortality. Screening for colorectal cancer is advocated to achieve this end. Success with screening programmes will depend on the diffusion of current knowledge about this disease to both health professionals and the general public.