Bowel Cancer Screening
Early detection for better outcomes
At OneMedicine, we prioritise early detection to reduce the risks associated with bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer). Bowel cancer screening aims to identify the disease before any symptoms appear, giving you the best chance for effective treatment and recovery.
Bowel cancer screening is designed to detect signs of cancer or pre-cancerous growths, known as polyps, in the colon or rectum. Screening is crucial because symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has progressed, making early detection critical for successful treatment.
Cost
Focused GP appointment (15mins) £75
Standard GP appointment (30min) £120
FIT test £50 Learn more
Physical colonoscopy £ Contact us
Colon Capsule endoscopy £ Contact us
Symptoms to look out for
- Blood in your stools or bleeding from your bottom
- A change in your bowel habits that lasts longer than two weeks (this may include an increase in the frequency of passing stools or having diarrhoea or constipation)
- Unexplained weight loss
- A constant or intermittent pain in your tummy
- A lump in your tummy that doesn’t go away
- Extreme tiredness for no particular reason
- A feeling that you haven’t fully emptied your back passage after going to the toilet
Screening options at OneMedicine
We offer several methods of bowel cancer screening, effective in detecting abnormalities:
1. Physical Colonoscopy
A physical colonoscopy is the gold standard in bowel cancer screening. During this procedure:
- A flexible tube equipped with a small camera (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum to examine the entire length of the colon.
- The camera allows for a thorough visual examination of the colon lining to identify polyps or other signs of cancer.
- If polyps are found, they can often be removed immediately, helping to prevent the development of cancer.
This procedure provides real-time visualisation and intervention, making it the most comprehensive screening method for bowel cancer.
2. Colon Capsule Endoscopy
Colon capsule endoscopy is a non-invasive test involving a small, pill-sized camera that captures images of the colon. It helps detect issues such as polyps, inflammation, and bleeding.
Preparation includes a clear liquid diet and laxatives to ensure the colon is clean for clear images.
The capsule transmits thousands of images to a wearable device, offering a comfortable alternative to traditional colonoscopy for many patients.
3. FIT test
The FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) is a quick and easy way to check for early signs of bowel cancer. It looks for tiny, invisible to the naked eye, traces of blood in your stool that you wouldn’t normally see. A small sample of stool is collected using a simple kit.
Simple and painless test
A small stool sample is collected
Looks for hidden blood in your poo
Offered every 2 years
A positive result doesn’t mean cancer—but it means we should take a closer look
Finding problems early makes treatment easier
Choosing the right screening method
The choice between a simple FIT test, physical and capsule colonoscopy depends on factors like your medical history, personal preference, and any risk factors you may have. At OneMedicine will work with you to determine the most suitable screening option based on your unique needs.
Why it's important to detect cancer early
- Improved treatment success: Early detection allows for more effective treatment and better recovery outcomes.
- Prevents cancer development: Screening detects and removes pre-cancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.
- Catches cancer before symptoms appear: Identify bowel cancer in its early stages, often before any symptoms are present.
- Tailored screening for high-risk individuals: Customised plans for those over 50 or with a family history of bowel cancer.
