How Colonoscopy Saves Lives: The Power of Early Detection and Community Health

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The challenge? CRC often develops silently, with little to no symptoms in the early stages. This makes early detection critical in preventing the disease from progressing.

Colonoscopy stands as the gold standard in CRC prevention – a simple yet life-saving procedure that not only detects potential cancer but can prevent it altogether by removing precancerous growths (polyps).

At Pantai Ampang, we believe that prevention is key to protecting not just individual health but the well-being of families and communities. By continuously improving our screening quality and detection rates, we strive to provide the highest level of care to help prevent colorectal cancer before it starts.

What is a Colonoscopy, and Why Does It Matter?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine the lining of the large intestine (colon) using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a small camera. This allows for a detailed visual inspection to detect abnormalities, such as polyps, which can be removed during the same procedure.

For individuals aged 45 and older, regular colonoscopy screenings can significantly lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. In fact:

• CRC has a lifetime risk of approximately 6% for both men and women.
• With early detection, CRC survival rates increase dramatically, and many cases can be completely prevented by removing precancerous growths during colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is more than a diagnostic tool – it’s an investment in long-term health and peace of mind for patients and their families.

How Screening Directly Impacts Our Community
Early detection through screening doesn’t just save individual lives – it has a wider impact on families and communities. By identifying and removing polyps early, colonoscopy reduces the likelihood of late-stage cancer diagnoses, lowering the burden on patients and healthcare systems.

A single screening today could mean years of healthy, worry-free living with loved ones. This ripple effect benefits not only the individual but ensures that families are spared the emotional and financial toll of preventable diseases.

Preventative care empowers communities by promoting healthier futures, allowing families to thrive together.

Pantai Ampang’s Commitment to Excellence in Outcomes
At Pantai Ampang, we recognize that delivering quality care isn’t just about performing procedures – it’s about consistently improving patient outcomes and adhering to the highest standards. From 2022 to 2024, we focused on enhancing our clinical practices to exceed global benchmarks in colonoscopy care.

Our results reflect this dedication:

• 100% Caecum Intubation Rate (CIR) in 2024 – A 100% CIR means that every colonoscopy conducted at Pantai Ampang successfully examined the entire colon, ensuring no areas were missed. This level of completeness is vital for reducing the risk of missed polyps or lesions, surpassing the global benchmark of 95%.
• Bowel Preparation (BBPS >6): Our bowel preparation rates improved from 84% in 2021 to 99% in 2024, exceeding the international standard of 95%. Proper bowel preparation is crucial for a clear and accurate examination, allowing doctors to detect even the smallest abnormalities.
• Polyp Detection Rate (≥50 years): The increase from 46% in 2022 to 58% in 2024 reflects the hospital’s focus on identifying more polyps during screenings. Higher detection rates mean more polyps are removed before they become cancerous, contributing directly to cancer prevention. (Global benchmark: 40%)
• Adenoma Detection Rate (≥50 years): Our adenoma detection rate grew from 23% in 2022 to 54% in 2024 – more than double the global benchmark of 25%. Adenomas are precancerous polyps, and detecting them early significantly lowers the risk of colorectal cancer.

Why These Numbers Matter
These achievements aren’t just statistics – they represent real lives impacted by early intervention. The more thorough and precise our screenings are, the more likely we are to detect polyps or adenomas at a stage where they can be safely removed, preventing colorectal cancer from developing.

Pantai Ampang’s commitment to exceeding global standards translates into better protection for families, reduced long-term health risks, and a stronger, healthier community.

Protect Your Health – For Yourself and Those You Love
Your health is invaluable, and early detection could make all the difference. If you are 45 or older, or if colorectal cancer runs in your family, now is the time to prioritize your health through screening.

Take action today – for your future, for your family. 

This article was contributed by Dr Chieng Jin Yu, Consultant Internal Medicine Physician, Gastroenterologist, and Hepatologist at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Chieng Jin Yu at his clinic, click here.