Bowel Cancer Symptoms

It is estimated that 80 Australians die from bowel cancer every week. Research shows that treatment can be possible if successfully detected early. If you are experiencing bowel cancer symptoms, consult your doctor to book a colonoscopy.

Fewer than 40 per cent of colorectal cancer is detected early because it can develop without any symptoms.

Are You At Risk?

Once you have read the important information below and would like to be screened for bowel cancer, you will need to follow this procedure:

Step 1. Call us on 9781 5959 to make an appointment

Step 2. Print Referral Form and take it to your Doctor

Step 3. Click here to Read the Appointments Page

Signs of bowel cancer

• bleeding from the rectum or any sign of blood after a bowel motion
• a recent and persistent change in bowel habit, for example looser bowel motions, severe constipation and/or needing to go to the toilet more than usual
• unexplained tiredness (a symptom of anaemia) or iron deficiency
• abdominal pain.

If you are experiencing bowel cancer signs consult your doctor and book a colonoscopy for the best chance of early detection and cure.

Who is at Risk?

If you fit any of the following criteria you may be at risk of developing bowel cancer even if you are not experiencing its symptoms which include

• Are aged 50 years and over (risk increases with age)
• Have a significant family history of bowel cancer or polyps
• Have had an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have previously had special types of polyps, called adenomas, in the bowel.

No Bowel Cancer Symptoms? Get a colonoscopy for peace of mind

Approximately half of all Australians are likely to develop a bowel polyp during their lifetime, but the majority of these remain undetected. Although polyps are very common, they rarely produce symptoms.

If polyps are left untreated, a significant percentage of polyps will develop into bowel cancer. Most polyps can be identified and safely removed during a colonoscopy.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

If you are an Australian citizens aged 50, 55 and 65 without symptoms with FOBT (faecal occult blood test) you should take advantage of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Contact Direct Endoscopy if you have any further questions or book a colonoscopy today for diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.