Colorectal health: Experts urge early screening to detect hidden polyps

Medical experts are highlighting the importance of early detection for colorectal issues, noting that persistent blood in stool should not be dismissed as mere hemorrhoids. In a recent case in Taiwan, a nurse in her 20s discovered a 0.5 cm polyp located in a rectal blind spot known as the Houston valve, despite having a normal colonoscopy two years prior. Doctors noted that such anatomical blind spots can hide polyps if the scope is not properly maneuvered.

In Hong Kong, colorectal cancer remains a significant health concern, ranking as the third most common cancer in 2023 and the second leading cause of cancer death in 2024. Specialists emphasize that while screening programs often target individuals aged 50 to 75 using fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), high-risk individuals—including those with family history or inflammatory bowel disease—should seek earlier intervention. Early detection through colonoscopy allows for the immediate removal of precancerous polyps, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment and prevention.