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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects 1 in 10 Singaporeans

IBS carries similar symptoms to colon cancer. Get an accurate diagnosis.

TALK TO DR. AARON POH

IBS vs Colorectal Cancer: Similarities in symptoms

SymptomIBSColon cancer
Fatigue X
DiarrheaXX
Weakness X
ConstipationXX
Stool appears narrow X
Bleeding from rectum X
Excess gas/bloatingXX
Unexplained weight loss X
Dark stool/blood in stool X
Whitish mucus appears in stoolX
Feeling of incomplete bowel movementXX
Pain/cramps in abdomen associated with bowel movementsXX
Changes in bowel movements & habits (for a few days)XX
SymptomIBSColon
cancer
Fatigue X
DiarrheaXX
Weakness X
ConstipationXX
Stool appears narrow X
Bleeding from rectum X
Excess gas/bloatingXX
Unexplained weight loss X
Dark stool/blood in stool X
Whitish mucus appears in stoolX
Feeling of incomplete
bowel movement		XX
Pain/cramps in abdomen
associated with bowel
movements		XX
Changes in bowel movements & habits
(for a few days)		XX

What is colorectal cancer?

Colon cancer refers to cancer that arises in the colon. This is in contrast to rectal cancer that arises in the rectum. Collectively, both of these cancers are known as colorectal cancer.

Colon cancer affects the same area as IBS and can cause similar symptoms. Up to 20% of colon cancer patients may be told they have IBS before receiving a correct diagnosis.

Do you have IBS or colorectal cancer?

Speak to Dr Aaron Poh for a correct diagnosis today.

CALL US : +65 6589 8929
WHATSAPP US : +65 8875 0080

Get the correct diagnosis

IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that your doctor will and must rule out other possible conditions causing these symptoms before diagnosing you with IBS. 

To ensure you get the most accurate diagnosis, you may be required to undergo the following tests: 

Blood Investigations

Stool Tests

Hydrogen Stool Tests

Colonoscopy

*These tests are not always necessary, but are beneficial to assess your baseline health and to rule out other more serious conditions, such as colorectal cancer.

Consultant General Surgeon
Dr Aaron Poh

Consultant General Surgeon Dr Aaron Poh

Dr Aaron Poh is a fully accredited General Surgery specialist with the Specialist Accreditation Board and Ministry of Health, with double subspecialties in Colorectal surgery and Trauma surgery. He is currently the Medical Director at Alpine Surgical Practice.

20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

5000+
surgeries performed

Colorectal Fellowship
in the UK

Specialisation in Laparoscopic keyhole surgery

Best General Surgeon Gold Winner 2023

Can IBS lead to colon cancer?

While IBS can cause discomfort and pain in the abdomen, it does not increase a person’s risk of developing colon cancer.

However, colon cancer is a slow-growing cancer that’s often confused with other gastrointestinal conditions, and in some instances, misdiagnosed as IBS. Knowing if you have IBS or colon cancer can save you from a lot of anxiety, and more importantly, identify the type of treatment you need to live the life you deserve.

Seek treatment to manage your symptoms and massively improve your quality of life.

Don’t leave IBS untreated.

Speak to Dr Aaron Poh for a correct diagnosis today.

CALL US : +65 6589 8929
WHATSAPP US : +65 8875 0080

Insurance

Integrated Shield Plans

For our patients with Integrated Shield plans with riders for private hospital coverage, Alpine Surgical Practice is able to help you with the application of the Letter of Guarantee (LOG) or Pre-Authorisation Certificates for cashless payment on the day of your procedure. In addition, we work with the Hospital or Surgical centres to do Electronic filing for your medical claims.

Advisor Partners​

We understand that some of your insurance plans may come with deductible and co-insurance. Our insurance advisor partners will advise you on how to utilise your Medisave and your existing Corporate insurance to cover the deductible and co-insurance so that there is minimal cash outlay.

We also understand that with the increasing adoption of pay-per-use insurance policies with rise in premiums per claim, it is important to control costs. As such, Alpine Surgical Practice works with our partnering Day Surgery centers to cut down costs for minor procedures and scopes.

  • AIA
  • AXA
  • NTUC income
  • Prudential
  • Raffles Health Insurance
  • Singlife with AVIVA
Corporate Insurance Plans

For our patients with Corporate insurance plans, Alpine Surgical Practice is similarly able to help with the application of Letter of Guarantee (LOG) or Pre-Authorisation Certificates for cashless payment on the day of your procedure. Alpine Surgical Practice is on the panel for the following plans and that enables us to see you with the relevant referral letter from your GP or another specialist.

Advisor Partners​

We understand that some corporate insurance policies may not provide full coverage and our insurance advisor partners can advise on how to utilise your Medisave to cover the remaining sum so that there is minimal cash outlay.

It is important that your medical problems are being managed without worrying about the nuances of the insurance claims. Our Alpine staff will be able to help you with both your medical and insurance needs.

  • Adept Health
  • AIA
  • Alliance Medinet
  • AXA Global Healthcare
  • BlueCross BlueShield Global
  • BUPA Insurance Services
  • Cigna Singapore and Global
  • Doctor Anywhere (DA) Adept Health
  • Fullerton Healthcare Group
  • FWD Insurance
  • GeoBlue
  • Great Eastern Health Connect
  • Henner International
  • Howden Insurance
  • HTH Worldwide
  • Integrated Health Plans (IHP)
  • iXchange
  • Liberty Insurance
  • Mednefits
  • MSH International
  • NOW Health International
  • NTUC Income
  • Parkway Shenton
  • PPP International
  • QBE Insurance
  • Singlife with AVIVA
  • Smarter Health
  • Tokio Marine Insurance Group

Book an appointment

MOUNT ELIZABETH (ORCHARD)

PARKWAY EAST
MEDICAL CENTRE

Farrer Park
Hospital