http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070302/5/singapore261530.htmlFriday
March 2, 2:17 PM
Wanted: 15,000 poo samples to fight cancer
Your poo can take Singapore into the record books - or at least
that is the aim of the Singapore Cancer Societys (SCS) campaign
for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this year.
Looking to achieve a record of 15,000 faecal occult blood tests
(FOBT) - the screening method for colon cancer ?returned by the end
of this month, the attempt will not only increase awareness of the
disease but also emphasise the importance of regular screening, as
colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death
here.
Initially intended as a world record for the Guinness Book of
Records, organisers were hampered by the logistical obstructions
and are settling for one in the Singapore Book of Records. In any
case, there is no existing record of cancer screenings, said Mr
Aaron Ng, Executive Director of the SCS.
In support of the quirky record, the SCS, will for this month,
offer the self-administered faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) to
Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents over 50 years old ?the
age group most at risk from colorectal cancer.
Citing studies, Chairman of the campaign, Dr Tang Choong Leong,
said that regular screening has been found to pick up cancers, that
too in their early stages.
In most cases, by the time the patient presents symptoms and sees a
doctor, the cancer is usually at a late stage, where chances for
cure are much lower.
"The bottom-line is early detection, smaller cancers and minimal
surgery," he said.
Annual screenings over 10 years will be able to detect almost all
colorectal cancers for that period, he added.
To help those with a positive results on their FOBT, the SCS will
be extending its subsidies till the end of the year to those who
need to follow-up with a colonoscopy.
This will be welcome relief for many as an unsubsidised colonoscopy
can cost over $1,000.
But those who test positive in March will be able to get a referral
from the SCS for a subsidy, slashing the cost to between $300 and
$400. For those who cannot afford it, SCS will foot the bill,
subject to a means test.
Last year, the SCSs free screening programme picked up 476
positive FOBT results out of 11,945 screenings.
FOBT kits will also be available at participating family
practitioners, and all SingHealth and National Healthcare Group
Polyclinics from March 5 to 31. -
