Bowel cancer screening is the process of detecting bowel cancer while still in its early stages. It is one of the most common types of cancer screening, and it involves using tests to identify precancerous polyps that can develop into tumours.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world, with around 1.4 million cases diagnosed every year. Early screening is key to identifying cases before they become advanced and difficult to treat.

Understanding Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a cancer of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. It develops from small growths called polyps, which can become cancerous over a period of time.

The cause of bowel cancer is not yet known, but there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing the disease. These include a family history of bowel cancer, a diet high in red and processed meat, smoking, and being overweight or obese.

Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

There are several symptoms of bowel cancer that you should look out for. These include:.

Blood in your stools
Changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight loss
Abdominal pain
Anaemia (a lack of red blood cells)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

High-risk Families

If you have a family history of bowel cancer, you may be at a higher risk of developing the disease. Families with a history of bowel cancer can be classified as high-risk. A person is considered high-risk if:.

Two or more first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) have been diagnosed with bowel cancer
One first-degree relative has been diagnosed with bowel cancer at a young age (under 50 years old)

If you are at high-risk, it is important to speak to your doctor about screening options.

Screening Options

There are several screening options available for bowel cancer, including:.

Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
CT Colonography

The most effective screening option for high-risk families is colonoscopy, which allows for the complete examination of the colon.

Colonoscopy Procedure

A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that involves using a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope to view the inside of your colon. The procedure usually takes around 30-60 minutes, and you will be sedated for the duration.

During the procedure, the doctor will examine the entire colon and rectum for polyps or other abnormalities. If any polyps are found, they may be removed and sent for testing to determine if they are cancerous.

Scheduling a Screening

If you are at high-risk of developing bowel cancer due to a family history of the disease, it is important to speak to your doctor about scheduling a screening. The recommended age for screening is 50 years old for those with an average risk.

However, those with a higher risk due to family history may need to start screening at an earlier age. Speak to your doctor to determine when you should start screening.

Lifestyle Changes

Making some lifestyle changes can also help reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer. These include:.

Eating a diet high in fibre and low in red and processed meat
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Not smoking

By taking these steps, you can help reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer. However, it is important to remember that regular screening is still necessary if you are at high risk due to family history.