Bowel Cancer Screening / Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Bowel (colon) cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer which, at its early stages, exhibits few symptoms. The earlier that it is diagnosed, the greater the chance of a full recovery. The majority of bowel cancers begin as non-cancerous polyps which are growths on the wall of the bowel. Finding and removing these polyps can stop cancers from developing. Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Most people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60.
What is a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the lower bowel under sedation. An enema will be given to help clear the bowel and provide a clearer view. A scope (a thin tube) will be inserted and air will be pumped into the bowel during the examination. If polyps are located, they will be removed. The procedure will take around 10-20 minutes.
What are the benefits of having a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
Screening individuals with no obvious symptoms can significantly reduce the frequency and mortality rates of bowel cancer. A recent study reported the following benefits:
- A 33% reduction in the risk of a bowel cancer diagnosis
- A 43% reduction in the risk of death from bowel cancer
- A 50% reduction in the incidence of distal bowel cancer
Treatment for bowel cancer
Bowel cancer can be treated using a combination of different treatments, depending on where the cancer is in your bowel and how far it has spread.
The main treatments are:
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy
- targeted therapies
As with most types of cancer, the chance of a complete cure depends on how far it’s spread by the time it’s diagnosed. If the cancer is confined to the bowel, surgery is usually able to completely remove it.
Bowel Cancer Screening / Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Consultants
Clinical Interests
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
Cancer screening
Bowel disturbance
Indigestion
Liver disease
Sees adults only
Clinical Interests
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
Cancer screening
Bowel disturbance
Indigestion
Liver disease
Sees adults only
Qualifications
BSc, MBBS, PhD, FRCP
Clinical Interests
Indigestion
Abdominal pain
Change of bowel habit
Investigation and management of abnormal liver function tests
Fatty...
Qualifications
BSc, MBBS, PhD, FRCP
Clinical Interests
Indigestion
Abdominal pain
Change of bowel habit
Investigation and management of abnormal liver function tests
Fatty...
Qualifications
MBBS BSc MRCP SCE Gastroenterology
Clinical Interests
General Gastroenterology
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
Polypectomy
Video...
Qualifications
MBBS BSc MRCP SCE Gastroenterology
Clinical Interests
General Gastroenterology
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
Polypectomy
Video...
Qualifications
BSc MBBS MD FRCP
Clinical Interests
Indigestion
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Liver, pancreatic & biliary disorders
Bowel cancer screening
Qualifications
BSc MBBS MD FRCP
Clinical Interests
Indigestion
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Liver, pancreatic & biliary disorders
Bowel cancer screening
Qualifications
BSc MB BS MRCP MD
Clinical Interests
Indigestion/ reflux disease
Swallowing disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome
Bowel cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease
Coeliac...
Qualifications
BSc MB BS MRCP MD
Clinical Interests
Indigestion/ reflux disease
Swallowing disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome
Bowel cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease
Coeliac...
Qualifications
BSc MBChB MD FRCP
Clinical Interests
Inflammatory bowel disease
Video capsule endoscopy
Acid related disorders/ Bravo PH study
Functional gut disorders
Acute...
Qualifications
BSc MBChB MD FRCP
Clinical Interests
Inflammatory bowel disease
Video capsule endoscopy
Acid related disorders/ Bravo PH study
Functional gut disorders
Acute...
Qualifications
BSc MBBS (Hons) MD FRCP
Clinical Interests
I am a Consultant Gastroenterologist based at St George’s Hospital, London and Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton....
Qualifications
BSc MBBS (Hons) MD FRCP
Clinical Interests
I am a Consultant Gastroenterologist based at St George’s Hospital, London and Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton....
Qualifications
MBChB, MSc, FRCP(UK)
Clinical Interests
All aspects of luminal gastroenterology
Bowel cancer screening
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative...
Qualifications
MBChB, MSc, FRCP(UK)
Clinical Interests
All aspects of luminal gastroenterology
Bowel cancer screening
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative...