TLDR Section:
- How often you should see a colorectal specialist depends on your age, risk factors, and any symptoms you have. They can detect polyps, inflammation, or other bowel conditions early, before problems appear.
- A specialist can recommend a personalised screening schedule — from yearly FIT tests to periodic colonoscopies and related procedures like gastroscopy — ensuring your digestive health is monitored and managed for the long term.
Many people only visit a colorectal specialist once symptoms appear — but by then, issues like polyps, inflammation, or other bowel conditions may already have developed. Regular consultations can help you detect problems early, manage ongoing issues, and keep your digestive health on track.
In this article, we’ll guide you on when to visit a colorectal clinic and how often you should schedule check-ups for long-term gut health.
What Does a Colorectal Specialist Do?
A colorectal specialist performs colonoscopies and other assessments to diagnose and manage conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus.
Once they have a clear diagnosis, they can prescribe medication or perform a surgical procedure for the relevant anal or colorectal issue
Common conditions they manage include:
- Haemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the rectum or around the anus that can cause bleeding, itching, or pain.
- Anal Fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus, often causing sharp pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
- Rectal Bleeding: Any bleeding from the rectum or anus, which may indicate haemorrhoids, fissures, or more serious underlying conditions.
- Chronic Constipation or Diarrhoea: Persistent difficulty in passing stools or frequent loose stools, which can impact daily comfort and gut health.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, that often causes diarrhoea and fatigue.
- Diverticular Disease: Formation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall, which can become inflamed or infected, leading to discomfort, changes in bowel habits, or complications.
Protect your gut before issues arise. Book a consultation at Dr Bernard Lim Specialist Surgery today.
Determining When to Visit Your Colorectal Specialist
How often you need to see a specialist depends on your personal risk profile.
Your Age and Overall Health
Most adults are advised to begin screening around age 50, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Your doctor may suggest earlier or more frequent checks if you are experiencing issues such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or persistent changes in bowel habits.
Family and Genetic History
A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps increases your risk. In such cases, a specialist may suggest starting screening at an earlier age and repeating it more frequently than the standard schedule.
Existing Digestive Issues
If you already have ongoing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, recurring polyps, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, or previous colorectal complications, you should see your specialist more often. Regular check-ups help manage your symptoms, prevent complications, and ensure timely interventions if new issues arise.
Common Screening Tests and Intervals
Not all colorectal tests are the same. Each varies in how it’s done and what it detects.
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
This stool test checks for hidden blood, which may signal polyps or cancer. It’s non-invasive, quick to do at home, and recommended once a year for most average-risk adults. If your FIT results are abnormal, the next step is typically a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is the gold standard test and offers a complete view of the colon and rectum and allows your specialist to remove polyps during the same procedure. For adults without symptoms or family history, it is generally recommended every 5-10 years.
You may need more frequent screening — every three to five years — if polyps were found previously, you have inflammatory bowel disease, or you have a family history of colorectal conditions.
Related Screenings
In some cases, a specialist may recommend additional tests such as gastroscopy, which examines the stomach and upper digestive tract, especially if you have symptoms like reflux, unexplained abdominal pain, or a family history of upper gastrointestinal conditions. These complementary screenings help ensure a more complete assessment of your digestive health.
Screening Coverage at Colorectal Clinics in Singapore
Several subsidies and coverage options may help reduce your out-of-pocket costs, including:
MediSave:
For approved indications, allowing you to use your healthcare savings for certain screening procedures.
Integrated Shield Plans:
Depending on your policy and the hospital tier, you may be able to claim part of the screening costs.
Package Rates:
Some clinics offer bundled pricing for screening tests, colonoscopies, and follow-up consultations.
Visit a Colorectal Clinic Today
If you are experiencing digestive or colorectal issues, or it’s been years since your last check, now is the time to see a specialist. They can guide you on the right screening schedule and assess any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Don’t delay when it comes to colorectal issues — make an appointment with Dr Bernard Lim, Senior Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon in Singapore so he can help you stay on top of your digestive health.
