Samitivej Hospital Continues Blue Ribbon Campaign to Combat Colorectal Cancer, Highlighting AI-Powered Colonoscopy for Early Detection
Samitivej Hospital is continuing its Blue Ribbon campaign to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, focusing on preventative healthcare and utilizing innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced colonoscopy technology. The campaign, built around the idea of “We don’t want anyone to acquire sick,” aims to improve early detection rates and ultimately save lives. Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Dr. Natthawut Sirimantaphorn, Director of the Liver and Digestive Disease Center at Samitivej Hospital Sukhumvit, explained that colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death among Thais, particularly those aged 45 and older. Although, the hospital has observed an increasing trend of diagnoses in younger individuals, likely due to lifestyle changes including fast-paced living, diets high in meat and grilled foods, low intake of fruits and vegetables, and a lack of exercise. “The danger of this disease is that it often presents no symptoms in its early stages,” Dr. Sirimantaphorn said. “Most patients seek medical attention when the cancer has already progressed.” He explained that colorectal cancer typically begins as small polyps on the lining of the large intestine, which can develop into cancerous cells over a period of 3-5 years. Individuals experiencing persistent constipation alternating with diarrhea, blood in the stool or dark-colored stools, incomplete bowel movements, narrowed stools, or unexplained weight loss should seek medical attention promptly.
Colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable with early detection through colonoscopy. Samitivej Hospital has integrated AI-assisted colonoscopy to enhance the physician’s ability to identify lesions during the procedure. This technology can detect small polyps or those in difficult-to-see locations, increasing accuracy. The hospital reports that the use of AI has increased the detection rate of precancerous polyps in individuals aged 45 and older by 40% and improved the survival rate of patients diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer to over 90%. During a colonoscopy, a physician inserts a flexible tube with a camera attached into the rectum to examine the entire large intestine and lower small intestine. The AI assists in real-time image analysis, alerting physicians with visual and auditory cues when potential polyps are detected. Physicians can then remove these polyps immediately during the procedure, eliminating the need for hospitalization and promoting faster recovery. This represents a combined screening and treatment approach.
Since 2017, Samitivej Hospital has successfully helped prevent 27,687 patients from developing colorectal cancer, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility and improving the overall quality of life for Thais. The hospital aims to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer nationwide and strengthen the Thai public health system.
The Liver and Digestive Disease Center at Samitivej Hospital offers services with a team of specialists in gastroenterology and hepatology who have completed training from the American Board and collaborate with international medical partners such as SaNo Hospital in Japan and OHSU in the United States. Key technologies offered include:
• AI-Enhanced Colonoscopy and Japanese Techniques: These methods help detect subtle abnormalities on the mucosal surface, even before lesions become raised, increasing the accuracy of identifying abnormal polyps by 2x. The detection rate of precancerous polyps in individuals aged 45 and older has increased by 40%, and the survival rate for patients diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer has increased by over 90%.
• ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection) Technique: This allows for the immediate removal of large polyps through colonoscopy, eliminating the need for open surgery, reducing complications, and promoting faster recovery.
• Blue Light Colonoscopy: This technology enhances the visibility of polyps and creates a relaxing atmosphere for patients.
Pop Thopthorn Suntornyanakit, an actor and singer, is participating in the Blue Ribbon campaign and shared his experience with colonoscopy to encourage others. “Getting a preventative health check isn’t as scary as you think, especially with Samitivej Hospital’s AI technology, which provides confidence in its accuracy,” Suntornyanakit said. “I encourage anyone aged 45 and older, and those in at-risk groups, to get screened without waiting for symptoms, for sustainable health and to reduce the risk of loss.”
