Worried about gut health issues, colorectal cancer and other digestive cancers? DR CONSTANTINOS ANASTASSIADES, founder and director of Elevate Gastroenterology, explains how he’s helping patients get ahead of them. If you are wondering where to go for a colonoscopy in Singapore or just want to know more about other gastrointestinal endoscopy screenings, read on.
A rising need for gastrointestinal endoscopy screenings like a colonoscopy in Singapore
In the West, colorectal cancer has long been known to be prevalent and pose a major healthcare burden, leading to the introduction of mature national and other screening programmes. However, what was once thought to be mostly a Western malady, is now raising its head in Asia. “In Singapore specifically, colorectal cancer is the most common type of cancer in the general population,” notes Dr Anastassiades. And while colorectal cancer has traditionally been considered a disease of older adults, data now show that it’s becoming more common in younger people.
But colorectal cancer is not the only gastrointestinal concern on the rise here. “Stomach cancer has traditionally been much more common in Asia. Pancreatic cancer rates are also rising in Singapore and, while it’s less common, it’s also more deadly. Hepatocellular cancer (primary liver cancer) also continues to be a big issue in Asia. That’s mostly because of hepatitis B, although fatty liver now appears to be on the rise too,” he explains.
Why endoscopy screening matters
As such, Dr Anastassiades is on a mission to advocate for greater awareness of early and comprehensive gastrointestinal endoscopy screenings like colonoscopy in Singapore, so that any cancer or polyps – lumps found on the inner wall of the colon and rectum that may develop into cancer – can be detected and removed in their early stages. This dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment and survival. Indeed, studies show that if detected early, localised colorectal cancer is highly treatable with a five-year survival rate of around 90 percent.
What exactly is gastrointestinal endoscopy?
According to Dr Anastassiades, gastrointestinal endoscopy (such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy) is crucial for diagnosing various conditions. Using a flexible tube with a camera, medical professionals can view the inner lining of these organs to detect abnormalities, inflammation, ulcers, tumours and early signs of cancer. Additionally, endoscopy allows for the collection of tissue samples for biopsy and the removal of pre-cancerous growths.
“With its ability to provide direct visualisation and accurate diagnosis, endoscopy empowers us to create personalised treatment plans, monitor progress and enhance patient outcomes,” he says.
At his gastroenterology specialist practice Elevate Gastroenterology, a modern space centrally located at Camden Medical Centre in Orchard, you’ll find a host of comprehensive gastroenterology and endoscopy screenings and diagnostics available, including in-depth consultations and re-assessments. These assist patients in their prevention, detection and management of gastrointestinal diseases.
In addition to high-quality general endoscopy and laboratory and imaging studies, the clinic also provides complex and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as EUS and ERCP.
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• Gastroscopy (OGD) examines the upper digestive tract, encompassing the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.
• Colonoscopy examines the colon and rectum, crucial for the detection and prevention of various gastrointestinal conditions. Polyps are commonly found during colonoscopy screenings and can be removed during the procedure.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) combines endoscopy and ultrasound to examine organs and tissues within the gastrointestinal tract.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts, pancreas and gallbladder.
A holistic look at gut health
For Dr Anastassiades, however, achieving and maintaining a healthy gut goes far beyond just keeping it cancer-free. In fact, one of the reasons he set up Elevate Gastroenterology was to provide an approach to gastroenterological care that examines our gut health holistically.
Beyond cancer prevention, the practice focuses on comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of a range of gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions, many of which are common issues that are readily treatable if accurately diagnosed. They include acid reflux, heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
“When coupled with expert cognitive and consultative gastroenterology input, endoscopy in Singapore remains the standard for evaluation and definitive diagnostic confirmation,” he explains. “Importantly, this level of evaluation can simultaneously rule out other more serious conditions, which often present with similar symptoms, such as colorectal cancer and stomach cancer. As a result, it gives patients more peace of mind.
Understanding every patient
Dr Anastassiades serves a diverse mix of patients from locals to expats, and from those armed with medical knowledge to those who are new to the topic of gut health. Thanks to his international experience, he’s able to engage and communicate with patients from all walks of life, making the process as clear and comfortable as possible.
“Depending on who you are, what you need, what you want and what your expectations are, we’re committed to tailoring an individualised approach and delivering thoughtful care,” he says. After 10 years in Singapore, Dr Anastassiades speaks Mandarin, too, which helps him connect with local patients. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
About the doctor
Dr Constantinos Anastassiades is a US-trained gastroenterology specialist with over 25 years of experience. These include experiences at the University College London Hospitals in the UK, the Mayo Clinic and University of Michigan in the US, and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and National University Hospital in Singapore. He has presented his academic and research work on gastrointestinal endoscopy at numerous international conferences. He also serves as a reviewer for international medical journals.
#08-06 Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Boulevard
6970 6670 | elevategastro.sg | contact@elevategastro.sg
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This article first appeared in the September 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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