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.
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.
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?
Prevention is increasingly important for those who match the following criteria:
Aged 50 Years
Are aged 50 years and over (risk increases with age)
Family History
Have a significant family history of bowel cancer or polyps
Inflammatory Bowel
Have had an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Medical History
Have previously had special types of polyps, called adenomas, in the bowel.
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.
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.

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.
