OBJECTIVES: Productivity loss contributes to the total economic burden of cancer. We aim to measure productivity loss of paid work in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors in Singapore, and examine gender-specific patterns in the various productivity loss components.  METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey at the National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital on CRC patients (Singapore citizen or resident, at least 21 years old, Stage I to IV, 3weeks to 60months post-diagnosis). Only patients with paid work at diagnosis were included in this analysis. Using relevant national statistics and survey data, we calculated productivity loss (2014 Singapore dollars) due to temporary morbidity (before and after return to work), presenteeism, permanent morbidity (reduced hours and premature retirement). Relevant statistical tests were used to compare differences between genders. RESULTS: The mean age at interview of the study population (n=147) was 58.7 (95% CI 57.3 to 60.1) years. Most were males (64.5%), of Chinese ethnicity (83.0%), and employed (72.8%). Clinical characteristics were fairly distributed (colon (50.3%) vs rectal (49.7%); Stages I & II (26.5%) vs III (35.4%) vs IV (38.1%)). Mean productivity loss was estimated to be SGD42,762 per patient (SGD36,861 (females) vs SGD45,992 (males), p=0.27), or SGD2,308 per patient per month (SGD1,946 (females) vs SGD2,506 (males), p=0.07). Females incurred a major proportion of their productivity loss due to temporary morbidity (before return to work) (46.5% (females) vs 24.8% (males), p=0.002) as a result of greater proportion of females taking leave in this category (75.0% (females) vs 52.6% (males), p=0.01) for a longer duration (mean: 4.9months (females) vs 2.9months (males), p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Although both male and female CRC patients suffer substantial productivity loss (ranging from SGD1,946–2,506 each month), the drivers of productivity loss differ. This has important implication for designing programmes and policies to support cancer survivors.