Bowel Cancer Screening

Bowel Cancer Screening

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) posts a free test kit to eligible men and women aged 45–74 years every 2 years. This screening program saves up to 500 lives annually by detecting bowel cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

If you have received a positive result on your screening test, it is important to understand that this indicates a higher risk - it does not mean you have cancer. A follow-up colonoscopy is recommended within 30 days of a positive result.

Colonoscopy for a Positive Test

Colonoscopy is the best test known to us for detection and removal of colonic polyps. Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps, so finding and removing them during colonoscopy is one of the most effective ways to prevent bowel cancer.

If your screening test has returned a positive result, Dr Fazal can perform a thorough colonoscopy to investigate the cause and, if necessary, remove any polyps found during the procedure.

Who Should Do Your Screening Colonoscopy?

Choosing the right specialist for your screening colonoscopy is important. A gastroenterologist has quite extensive training in endoscopy and is best placed to perform this procedure.

Patients are encouraged to ask their provider about their key performance indicators (KPIs), including adenoma detection rate and caecal intubation rate, which are markers of colonoscopy quality.