CRC SCREENING

Colorectal Cancer Screening:
A Critical Health Priority

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer in Singapore, according to the Singapore Cancer Network (SCAN). Approximately 1,200 new cases are diagnosed annually. The survival rate for CRC patients is highly dependent on the stage at diagnosis. Early detection at Stage I offers a survival rate exceeding 90%, while late diagnosis at Stage IV reduces survival to less than 10%. This stark difference underscores the critical importance of timely screening and early detection.

Rising Incidence in
Younger Populations

Recent studies have identified a concerning trend: an increase in CRC cases among younger individuals. A systematic review reported an average annual percent change (APC) of +2.6% in CRC onset among those aged 20-39 and +1.8% for those aged 40-49 (Bray et al., 2018). This shift has prompted ongoing discussions among medical professionals about revising screening guidelines to address this demographic change.

Key Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Be aware of these potential warning signs:
  • Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or incomplete bowel emptying)
  • Blood in stool (bright red or very dark)
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, or pain)
  • Unexplained weakness and fatigue
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Changes in stool shape (e.g., narrower stools)

Survival Rates by Stage

  • Stage I: Over 90% 5-year survival rate
  • Stage II: Approximately 70-80% 5-year survival rate
  • Stage III: About 40-60% 5-year survival rate
  • Stage IV: Less than 10% 5-year survival rate
Early detection significantly improves outcomes, while advanced stages have lower survival rates due to cancer spread beyond the colon. Regular screening is crucial for early detection and better prognosis.

Screening Recommendations

  • High-risk individuals: Begin screening before age 50 and more frequently, based on family history and other risk factors
  • Average-risk individuals: Begin screening at age 50
  • Anyone experiencing potential CRC symptoms: Consult a healthcare provider for screening, regardless of age

Limitations of existing Fecal Tests (FIT and FOBT) for CRC Screening

  • Limited sensitivity: Low sensitivity especially for early stage CRC detection
  • False positives: Can lead to unnecessary follow-up colonoscopies
  • Inconvenience: Requires stool sample collection
  • Dietary restrictions: Some FOBTs require dietary adjustments before testing

Advantages of Blood-Based CRC Screening - ColonAiQ®

  • Non-invasive: Requires only a simple blood draw
  • Higher accuracy: Can detect specific cancer biomarkers, improving early detection
  • Early detection: Capable of identifying early-stage CRC, improving treatment outcomes
  • High sensitivity: Demonstrates 86 to 89% sensitivity for detecting early-stage CRC
  • User-friendly: Patients often prefer blood tests to handling stool samples, potentially increasing screening participation

Conclusion

ColonAiQ® has the potential to transform CRC screening by offering a more accessible and less invasive alternative to current methods. By facilitating early detection, this advanced blood test could significantly improve survival rates and reduce the overall burden of colorectal cancer.
  • B ray, F., Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Siegel, R. L., Torre, L. A., & Jemal, A. (2018). Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 68(6), 394–424. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21492
  • Singapore Cancer Network (SCAN) guidelines for Systemic therapy of colorectal cancer. (2015). Annals, Academy of Medicine, Singapore/Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 44(10), 379–387. https://doi.org/10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.v44n10p379
  • https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2021.08.054


Cai, G., Cai, M., Feng, Z., Liu, R., Liang, L., & Zhou, P. (2021). A Multilocus Blood-Based Assay Targeting Circulating Tumor DNA Methylation Enables Early Detection and Early Relapse Prediction of Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology, 161(6), 2053-2056.e2. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2021.08.054

Get In Touch

Kindly Note

ColonAiQ is undergoing Health Sciences Authority (HSA) review for registration in Singapore and the Philippines.

Sign up for our waitlist to be among the first to be notified when ColonAiQ becomes available! Please leave your contact details.