Colorectal cancer was the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the area last year, largely due to patients seeking medical attention at advanced stages of the disease and a lack of preventative screenings. This highlights the critical importance of early detection in improving patient outcomes.
“Colonoscopy,” a screening procedure covered under the national health insurance program, is a highly effective method for detecting abnormalities and obtaining tissue samples for further analysis. It’s typically performed after an initial screening with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
A collaborative project has expanded the capacity for colonoscopies at a local hospital, allowing them to screen 140 patients in just two days. This initiative is aimed at reducing wait times and increasing access to potentially life-saving treatment.
The colonoscopy program serves as a model for partnerships between public and private sectors to overcome limitations within hospitals and enhance screening capabilities.
ศ.นพ.รังสรรค์ ฤกษ์นิมิตร, assistant dean for innovation at Chulalongkorn University and a faculty member at the university’s Faculty of Medicine, emphasized that individuals should not wait for symptoms to appear before getting screened, especially those with a family history of the disease. He recommends beginning screenings at age 40.
Following a fecal occult blood test, individuals identified as high-risk are referred for a colonoscopy, which provides a comprehensive, one-stop service. Polyps can be removed immediately during the procedure, reducing the future risk of cancer development. A normal result allows for a five-year interval before the next screening.
Preparing for a colonoscopy is straightforward, requiring only one day of bowel preparation. The procedure itself takes 30–40 minutes, followed by a recovery period of 1–2 hours before patients can return home. The national health insurance program now includes colonoscopy as a covered benefit for those with positive screening results, with a goal of increasing access and reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer.
