Investigations for bowel cancer
People who are concerned about bowel cancer (colon or rectal cancer) fall into two categories – those who have symptoms and those who are asymptomatic (i.e they do not have symptoms).
The ‘gold standard’ investigation for bowel cancer and pre-cancerous polyps is colonoscopy (passing a thin flexible scope via the bottom usually under sedation). Colonoscopy is the most accurate bowel investigation for cancer because it offers direct visualisation. There are however other tests that are used and these offer various advantages and disadvantages. These tests include:
- CT scanning (virtual colonoscopy – this scan requires taking a bowel preparation beforehand and then a very short tube is passed via the anus to inflate the colon)
- Stool tests – these test for traces of blood in the stool. The most widely used stool test is the Faecal Immunohistochemical Test (FIT).
Who requires investigation?
- If a person has concerning symptoms they need urgent investigation by a specialist. We will advise accordingly.
- If a person has ‘lower risk’ symptoms that are not necessarily concerning a FIT stool test is recommended to establish who requires colonoscopy or alternative tests.
- If a person has no symptoms but is concerned of the possibility of bowel cancer a FIT stool test can be used to establish the likelihood of disease.
Our patient pathway team at www.boweltesting.com will advise on the appropriate investigation path for individuals depending on which of the above categories they fall within.