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 SocietyÂ’s (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 SCSÂ’s 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. -
