Bowel cancer is the most common internal cancer, with about 15,000 new cases each year. Each week approximately 80 Australians die from the disease, making it the second most common cause of cancer related death in Australia.
Bowel cancer is the term given to tumours of the colon or rectum, often referred to as bowel, colon or colorectal cancer.
The cancer usually starts as a bowel polyp which is a small growth on the lining of the bowel wall. They are common, especially as we age and have the potential to develop further into colorectal cancer if left untreated.
Less than 40 per cent of colorectal cancer is detected early because it often develops without any signs or symptoms. Colonoscopy is the only way to accurately identify and safely remove bowel polyps. It is the best chance of early detection.
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TWO SIMPLE STEPS
Are You At Risk?
If you would like to book a Bowel cancer screening at one of our hospitals, just follow these two easy steps:
Get a Referral from Your GP
Download and print the referral form and take it to your regular GP. Your doctor will complete the form and refer you to Direct Endoscopy for the appropriate service.
Make an Appointment
Once your GP has completed the referral form, it’s time to book your consultation. Call our team on 03 9781 5959 or book online at your convenience. We’ll help you choose a suitable clinic location and appointment time that works for you.
Get a Referral from Your GP
Download and print the referral form and take it to your regular GP. Your doctor will complete the form and refer you to Direct Endoscopy for the appropriate service.
Make an Appointment
Once your GP has completed the referral form, it’s time to book your consultation. Call our team on 03 9781 5959 or book online at your convenience. We’ll help you choose a suitable clinic location and appointment time that works for you.
Who is at Risk?
The risk of developing bowel cancer is greater for people who:
- 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.
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Get a colonoscopy for prevention and diagnosis
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 and usually are discovered by inspection at the time of colonoscopy. If polyps are left untreated, most polyps will eventually develop into bowel cancer. Polyps can be identified and safely removed during a colonoscopy.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
If you are an Australian citizen aged 50, 55 and 65 you should take advantage of the FOBT (faecal occult blood test) offered under the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Book a Colonoscopy Procedure at Direct Endoscopy Today
Bowel Cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Victoria. It’s strongly urged that you get regular screenings for effective prevention, detection, and/or treatment as early as possible. Due to the nature of colonic cancer and anatomy, this type of cancer can be difficult to diagnose and presents late. Colonoscopy is the most accurate procedure to locate, diagnose, or rule out colorectal cancer even in the most early stages.
Contact Direct Endoscopy if you have questions or wish to book a colonoscopy to diagnose or prevent bowel cancer.
With over 30 years of experience and more than half a million endoscopic procedures performed, Direct Endoscopy is one of Melbourne’s most established providers of gastroenterology and digestive health services. Our specialist gastroenterologists lead the way in colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and capsule endoscopy, delivering accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment in fully accredited hospital settings.
We provide comprehensive care across all areas of digestive health, from bowel cancer prevention and liver disease management to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and beyond.
Specialist-Led. Patient-Focused.
Expert-Led Patient Care
With over 30 years of experience and more than half a million endoscopic procedures performed, Direct Endoscopy is one of Melbourne’s most established providers of gastroenterology and digestive health services. Our specialist gastroenterologists lead the way in colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and capsule endoscopy, delivering accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment in fully accredited hospital settings.
We provide comprehensive care across all areas of digestive health, from bowel cancer prevention and liver disease management to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and beyond.