Reviewed for Accuracy and Trust
The clinical information provided below is reviewed and supported by our expert in surgical management, Dr. Loong Yik Yee, Consultant Surgeon, ensuring the highest clinical standards.

8 December, 2025

COLONOSCOPY OR SCREENING? THE URGENT SYMPTOMS YOU MUST NOT IGNORE

Table of Contents

Why Is Everyone Talking About Colorectal Cancer Screening?

Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC) is a major health concern, ranking as the second most common cancer in Malaysia. The good news? When caught early, the prognosis is excellent. The treatment mainstay for CRC is surgical resection, which offers the best curative outcome. This success depends entirely on prompt and accurate diagnosis via screening and Colonoscopy.

What Symptoms Should I Never Ignore?

If you are experiencing certain unexplained symptoms, clinical guidelines dictate that you require an urgent referral for Colonoscopy within two weeks.

The Three Urgent Warning Signs:

If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, you should seek immediate evaluation, as you may require an urgent referral for a Colonoscopy:

Unexplained Bleeding or Anaemia

This includes unexplained iron deficiency anaemia or rectal bleeding that is fresh or blood mixed with stool

Change in Bowel Habits

A persistent and unexplained altered bowel habit, especially if alternating between constipation and diarrhoea.

Unexplained Weight Loss or Lumps

Significant, unintended loss of weight or appetite, or a palpable mass detected during a physical examination.

The Doctor's Initial Examination​

When you consult a primary care physician, they will perform a focused history and physical examination, including a Digital Rectal Examination and Proctoscopy. These preliminary steps guide the subsequent urgent referral for a Colonoscopy if high-risk signs are found.

Should I Get a Fecal Test or a Colonoscopy

Knowing your risk category is key to choosing the correct test:

Am I High Risk? Decoding Your Family Health History

If you have a history of CRC in your family, you may be automatically moved into the moderate or high-risk category, mandating an early Colonoscopy.

Common Questions About the Colonoscopy

Is the procedure painful?

The Colonoscopy procedure is typically performed under sedation or light anaesthesia, ensuring you are comfortable throughout the process. Our team will fully explain the procedure and what to expect during recovery.

What Happens After My Colonoscopy

If a tumour is found, the diagnosis will be standardised using the TNM (tumour-node-metastasis) staging system. Treatment is personalised based on the disease stage and will be guided by a multidisciplinary team approach for advanced cases.

Don't Delay:
Book Your Screening

If you are 50 or older, or if you recognise any of the urgent red flags above, taking action now is the most important step you can take for your long-term health.

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