The body’s most ordinary acts – eating, drinking, digesting – rarely demand attention until something goes awry.
For thousands of people each year, that moment arrives with the diagnosis of colorectal cancer or a disease that turns these simple functions into life-threatening obstacles. Surgery offers a way forward: an ostomy bag, connected to a small opening in the abdomen, that takes over when the body no longer can.
It also begins a different kind of battle, not just with the body but with the world’s discomfort. What does it mean to live with something that others would rather not talk about?
The bag is discreet, nearly invisible under clothes. The stigma is not. And that is the part that hurts the most.
To better understand this, we spoke to Dr Grace Tan, Senior Consultant at Melissa Teo Surgery, about the challenges patients face and how medical advancements, support systems, and the right mindset can help them regain confidence.
“Having a stoma will change your life,” she says. “But it does not mean that you cannot live the full and enriching life that you desire.”
From Diagnosis to Stoma
In Singapore, colorectal cancer remains the most common cancer, and it is the primary reason many patients require an ostomy.
According to the Singapore Cancer Society, around 10% of colorectal cancer patients in the country undergo ostomy surgery each year.
An ostomy is a surgically created opening, called a stoma, that allows waste to leave the body when part of the digestive or urinary system can no longer function properly.
This can be a temporary or permanent solution, depending on the underlying condition. The stoma sits on the surface of the abdomen and connects to an ostomy bag, which collects waste outside the body.
The decision to proceed with ostomy surgery usually follows a long period of illness or complex medical challenges.
For William Chong, a two-time cancer survivor, this decision became a reality after his second diagnosis.
“I was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2015. Two years later, I was diagnosed with a secondary cancer – rectal cancer. My surgeon advised that after the surgery, I would have to live with a stoma and ostomy bag for the rest of my life.”
Dr Tan notes that ostomy care itself has also seen improvements in recent years, from better stoma care products to more personalised support.
“There have been huge advances in colorectal treatment in recent years. This spans from surgical techniques, all the way to medical therapies and targeted treatments for colon cancer patients. In terms of ostomy, there are improved products being developed to suit all body types and deal with complicated situations.”
Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy
For many, the hardest part of ostomy surgery is not the operation itself, but the adjustment that follows. The body changes in a way that feels unfamiliar.
The stoma, with its soft, pink surface, is a new addition that requires care and attention. The ostomy bag, though discreet and functional, can feel like a constant reminder of the surgery.
And beneath it all, there is often an unspoken worry: Will life ever feel normal again?
Doctors and nurses who care for ostomy patients know these concerns well.
According to Dr Tan, preparation begins long before the surgery and continues long after recovery.
“The preparation starts from before the surgery, and continues for a long time after the recovery period. Communication is the most important part of the mental preparation, but the logistics and practicality of the various aspects of stoma care are also important to ensure that each patient is confident in looking after their stoma. Every patient is different and will adjust to life with a stoma uniquely.”
Mr Chong remembers the uncertainty he felt in the beginning.
“There were so many questions running through my mind—what is a stoma and an ostomy bag? Would having a bag affect my active lifestyle physically, emotionally, and socially? Could I handle it on my own? How would I overcome the emotional and psychological challenges, and where could I learn more about it?”
Over time, support networks helped ease his concerns.
“Coming into contact with the Ostomy Association of Singapore and medical stoma equipment suppliers like Coloplast helped me overcome most of my worries. Through programmes like Coloplast Care, I learned about ostomy and stoma care, which made a big difference.”
Support Systems That Help Ostomy Patients Thrive
In the first few months after ostomy surgery, even simple tasks can feel daunting. Stepping outside the house becomes a mental exercise in preparation and courage. The worry of a leak, the concern about someone noticing the bag, or the uncertainty of explaining the situation in an emergency can feel overwhelming.
These challenges are not just medical—they are social, emotional, and often tied to how the world responds to something unfamiliar. Support systems, both personal and structural, play a crucial role in helping patients adjust. From a medical perspective, Dr Tan emphasises that medical support should extend beyond hospital visits.
“Patients only see their doctors once every few weeks; however, they have to live with their stoma daily. Hence, these support groups and nurses are the ones who provide the patients with the frequent support that they may require. Support groups also are able to tend to patients’ emotional and social aspects more adequately.”
Stoma nurses also play a critical role in this transition. According to Iris Ong, a WCET-trained stoma nurse and Senior Clinical Care Specialist at Coloplast, the most common fear among new ostomy patients is whether they will be able to live a normal life.
“They also wonder how a stoma will affect them physically and emotionally and how they will cope with it.”
Nurses not only provide essential education on stoma care but also offer emotional support, acting as counsellors, advocates, and guides in helping patients regain confidence.
Fighting Myths About Life with an Ostomy
Despite medical advancements, misconceptions about ostomies persist, making adjustment even harder for patients. Many worry that having a stoma will drastically limit their movement, diet, or ability to enjoy life.
“This is not always true, and adjustments can always be made in order to enable each patient to live a full life, even with a stoma,” says Dr Tan.
Yet, concerns about how a stoma functions and how it affects daily life remain common.
@paulasojoro my goal in life is to have a whole closet just for my ostomy covers 😌 #ostomy #ileostomy #sewing ♬ Wes Anderson-esque Cute Acoustic – Kenji Ueda
Social media is reshaping perceptions of life with an ostomy. A content creator shares how she embraces creativity and confidence by having fun with her ostomy bag covers.
Stoma nurses often see these misconceptions firsthand. Ong, who helps patients adapt to life after surgery, has encountered many who struggle with unnecessary complications simply because of misinformation.
“Some people use the wrong type of ostomy supplies, which can cause leaks or skin problems. Others may have misunderstandings about how a stoma works.”
Beyond the physical adjustments, many patients also fear how others will perceive them. Chong, like many ostomates, was uncertain about how his condition would be viewed.
“Although ostomates look very normal and able-bodied, we have disabilities. Do treat us with respect, love, and grace.”
A Practical Tool That Restores Confidence
Medical advancements predominantly focus on devices, procedures, and medications. But sometimes, the most meaningful innovations are the ones that make everyday life a little easier. For people living with an ostomy, something as straightforward as a medical identification card can provide that sense of ease and confidence.
The Ostomy Association of Singapore (OAS) recently introduced a medical identification card to help individuals with stomas communicate their needs discreetly. When presented, the card explains the person’s condition in situations where they may need quick access to facilities, without the discomfort of sharing private medical details.
Launched with the support of global medical device company Coloplast, the card is expected to benefit Singapore’s estimated 6,000 ostomy patients.
OAS anticipates that about half of its 800 members will apply for the card, which can be requested through the organisation’s website (oas.org.sg) at no cost to members.
Guiding Patients Through Life After Ostomy Surgery
Ostomy surgery does not end in the operating room. The real adjustment begins when patients step back into their daily routines and face unfamiliar tasks for the first time.
Suddenly, emptying a bag, cleaning a stoma, and recognising signs of irritation become part of everyday life. The learning curve can feel steep, but with time and the right guidance, these tasks become second nature.
One of the first concerns many patients have is the appearance of the stoma itself.
Understanding what a healthy stoma looks like – moist, round, and slightly raised – helps patients feel more confident about caring for it independently.
Mistakes in stoma care are common, especially in the early weeks. Removing the bag too often can damage the skin, while waiting too long to empty it increases the risk of leaks.
For patients like Chong, the early days of adjusting to an ostomy were overwhelming.
“At first, I struggled with leakages, odour, and figuring out how to care for my stoma properly. But with time, support, and the right products, these concerns became easier to manage.”
According to Ong, some of the most common mistakes include using the wrong type of ostomy supplies, which can lead to leaks or skin problems.
“Others may have misunderstandings about how a stoma works,” she adds.
To help new patients navigate these challenges, Coloplast offers the Coloplast Care programme, which includes two complimentary home visits to provide personalised support. A monthly care clinic is also available every third Wednesday at the Coloplast office, offering additional guidance.
Habits like emptying the bag when it is one-third full and using barrier creams to protect the skin, prevent many of these issues.
Beyond the physical adjustments, there is also the question of how to integrate this new routine into everyday life. Patients might wonder if they can still travel, exercise, or go out to dinner without worrying about leaks or odour.
Modern ostomy bags are discreet and reliable, but hearing about others who have successfully managed these situations makes the possibility feel more real. Every patient adapts differently, and the support they receive plays a key role in their recovery.
“Having a stoma will change your life. But it does not mean that you cannot live the full and enriching life that you desire,” encourages Dr Tan.
The adjustment process is often smoother when family members are involved from the start. Learning about ostomy care together not only helps with practical tasks but also breaks down the stigma that can make patients feel isolated. Ong emphasises the importance of this support system.
“Friends and family can help by learning about ostomy care alongside the patient and assisting with diet and daily activities. Providing emotional support and encouragement is important in helping the patient adjust to life with a stoma.”
Learn more
- Why Are More Young Adults Being Diagnosed with Colon Cancer?
- Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease By Dr Chok Aik Yong
- The Role of Probiotics in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
This article is supported by an educational grant.
