A case for colorectal cancer screening in Singapore

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Singapore: it forms 11.9% of all cancers registered by the Singapore Cancer Registry compared with 18.4%, 10.4% and 8% for lung, stomach and liver respectively. Despite recent advances in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, more than half of those afflicted will die from their cancer. Arguments are presented for a colorectal cancer screening programme. To succeed it is necessary to appreciate the short-comings of testing for faecal occult blood, to evaluate and adopt new screening tests and to establish a well organised programme.