Government-funded healthcare programme - Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme

Colorectal cancer is the second commonest cancer in Hong Kong. The Government’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme subsidises asymptomatic Hong Kong residents to receive screening service in private sector for prevention of colorectal cancer.

Our colorectal surgeons from Tamarind Specialists Centres have registered as Colonoscopy Specialists to provide subsidized colonoscopy service.

Eligibility:

• Aged between 50 and 75
• Hold a Hong Kong Identity Card or Certificate of Exemption
• Registered in the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHRSS)
• Do not have symptoms of colorectal cancer, higher colorectal cancer risk, or screening/examination for colorectal cancer within a specified period (To learn more, please click here)

Participants will first take a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) that can detect small amounts of blood in stool, even if they are invisible to the naked eye. If there is blood, colonoscopy will be arranged to remove polyps, if any, to prevent them from developing into cancer.

Participants can opt to be referred to Tamarind Specialists Centres through primary care doctor, or (contact us via online / WhatsApp)for enquiries.

(More details: Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme - Department of Health)

Screening/surveillance colonoscopy – if you have a high risk of developing colorectal cancer

• Are over 50 years of age
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer
• Have a personal history of:
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Diagnostic colonoscopy – if you have abnormal symptoms

• Receive a positive result from a faecal occult blood test
• Experience any of the below:
  • Blood or mucus discharge from the rectum or in stool
  • Recent change in bowel habits
  • Feeling like you still need to go to the bathroom after a bowel movement
  • Anaemia
  • A palpable mass in the abdomen
  • Chronic diarrhoea or constipation

A colonoscopy is an investigative technique used to examine the entire length of the large bowel. It involves the insertion of a long, flexible tube with a camera, which includes lighting, irrigiation and insufflation systems, into the anus through to the rectum and colon.

A colonoscopy is useful in diagnosing ulcers, polyps and cancers. Using different accessory instruments, it can be used to both diagnose and treat a range of conditions through procedures such as biopsy (taking a tissue sample for further examination), polypectomy (removal of polyps), endoscopic dissection (removal of larger lesions), haemostasis and stenting (to relieve obstruction).

If you have any medication allergies, regularly take medicines (for example, oral hypoglycemic drugs, anticoagulants (blood thinners), or antiplatelet drugs), or have existing medical conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, or an implanted pacemaker), make sure to inform your doctor before the examination. If you are currently taking blood thinners, follow your doctor’s advice on when to stop taking them before the procedure.

You will need to drink a laxative before the examination to clear your bowels and avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 6 hours prior to the procedure. This helps empty your digestive tract and ensures proper preparation for your colonoscopy.

• Diet － Begin a low-residue diet three days before your colonoscopy. Avoid high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, and grains. Stop taking iron supplements at least 3 to 4 days before the procedure. On the day before the colonoscopy, switch to a liquid diet (for example, rice water, clear soup, and liquid foods, but avoid dairy products).
• Laxative － Take the prescribed laxative the night before or the morning of the colonoscopy as instructed by your doctor.
• Fluids － To prevent dehydration, drink clear water up until the fasting and water restriction time begins.
• Medication － Unless your doctor advises otherwise, continue taking your prescribed medications.