Charity colonoscopy event and fund in Singapore: A Novel Method to Raise Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Abstract

Background: Despite the improvements in the incidence rate and mortality of colorectal cancer in Singapore, most cases are still diagnosed at later stages. This suggests limitations in the uptake of cancer screening, relating to suboptimal population awareness, unfamiliarity with tests, or cost concerns. Objective: We report our experience with a charity colonoscopy event to assist patients with endoscopy costs, raise public awareness of endoscopic cancer screening, and demonstrate the safety of colonoscopy. Design and Settings: The Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Preventing Rectal and Colon Cancer through Endoscopy (SPRUCE) fund was established in 2019. A charity endoscopic event was held to kickstart the official launch of the fund with corporate, individual, and industry support. Patients and Methods: The recruitment criteria were first-visit patients who required colonoscopic evaluation following specialist evaluation and those in possession of a Community Health Assist Scheme card, for which only Singapore citizens whose annual household per capita income was less than Singapore dollar (SGD) 24,000 (USD 17,500) were eligible. This enabled meaningful selection of patients who would most benefit from financial assistance. Main Outcome Measures: To determine the feasibility of a charity colonoscopy event while raising colorectal cancer public awareness. Sample Size: Forty-eight patients underwent colonoscopies by accredited endoscopists for the SPRUCE endoscopy event. Results: Of the 48 participants, 19 (39.5%) were men and 29 (60.4%) were women, with a median age of 64 years. Seven patients (14.6%) had a normal colonoscopy, while 42 (85.4%) had at least one abnormality documented. Forty-one benign polyps were detected and removed in 22 patients (45.8%), with an overall adenoma detection rate of 85.4%. One patient (2.1%) was diagnosed with colon cancer. No complications resulted from the procedures performed during the charity event. Conclusion: A charity colonoscopy event conducted in the form of a health fair for needy patients is feasible and may help raise colorectal cancer awareness. This framework may serve as a useful basis for similar future events held in Singapore or elsewhere. Limitations: Lack of longitudinal assessment of colorectal cancer awareness among the public, following the charity colonoscopy event. Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.