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.

Eligible individuals can be referred to Tamarind Specialists Centre by the primary care doctor of the programme. If you would like to learn more or schedule a colonoscopy directly, please contact us (via online / WhatsApp) for enquiries. Our professional team will assist you in navigating the entire colonoscopy process seamlessly.

Learn more about participating in the government-subsidised Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme: Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme | Tamarind Specialists

(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.

Step 1: The key to optimal colonoscopy preparation is minimizing food residue in the intestines. Please begin a “low-residue diet” 3 days before the procedure and avoid high-fiber foods. Stop taking iron supplements at least 3 to 4 days before the procedure.

To make your preparation process easier, we have compiled the following low-residue diet recommendations:

Recommended foods: White rice, white bread, rice noodles, clear broth without solids, steamed eggs, lean meat, skinless fish

Foods to avoid: High-fiber vegetables, all fruits with seeds, whole-grain bread, oats, nuts, sesame seeds, milk, and dairy products

(If you have any questions about specific meal plans, our nursing team is always happy to assist you)

Learn more about dietary guidelines before a colonoscopy: A Comprehensive Guide to Pre-Colonoscopy Dietary Guidelines | Myth: Does a Colonoscopy Hurt? | Tamarind Specialists

Step 2: Please switch to a completely residue-free liquid diet one day before the examination. Examples include rice water, clear broth, strained fruit juice (avoid red or purple beverages), and sports drinks. Please avoid consuming milk or dairy products.

Step 3: Follow your specialist’s instructions to take the prescribed laxatives the night before or the morning of the procedure. Taking laxatives allows the doctor to clearly examine the intestinal lining and helps prevent missed polyps. The process of taking laxatives may cause discomfort, but Tamarind Specialists’ nursing team will provide clear guidance to help you successfully complete the bowel preparation.

Note:

• 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.

At Tamarind Specialists Centre, we are committed to making your examination as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you would like to schedule a colonoscopy, please follow the steps below:

1. Initial Enquiries: Contact our nursing team (via online / WhatsApp) for enquiries.
2. Specialist Consultation: We will schedule an initial consultation for you. A colorectal surgeon will review your medical history and assess whether a colonoscopy is appropriate.
3. Colonoscopy Preparation: Once the examination date is confirmed, our team will provide detailed instructions on preparation steps (such as a low-residue diet) and supply the laxatives prescribed by the doctor.
4. Undergoing the Examination: On the day of your appointment, please visit designated venue to undergo the colonoscopy under the care of our professional team.

Please bring the following documents to your appointment and consultation:

• Identification documents (If you wish to participate in the government’s “Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme,” please be sure to bring your Hong Kong Identity Card)
• A complete list of current medications (If you are taking blood thinners, anticoagulants, or diabetes medications, please be sure to inform the doctor so that medication discontinuation can be arranged)
• Past medical records or a referral letter from your primary care doctor (if available)