Bowel Cancer Screening
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.
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 incidence of distal bowel cancer
When will I get the results?
You will be told what was seen and discovered immediately after the procedure ends. Any biopsies or polyps that have been removed will be sent for histological analysis (examination under a microscope). This usually takes around five days to complete.
This page is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Bowel Cancer Screening Consultants
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BSc MBBS MD FRCS
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General surgical problems
All aspects of coloproctology
Laparoscopic surgery for bowel cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease...
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BSc MBBS MD FRCS
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General surgical problems
All aspects of coloproctology
Laparoscopic surgery for bowel cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease...
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Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
Cancer screening
Bowel disturbance
Indigestion
Liver disease
Sees adults only
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Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
Cancer screening
Bowel disturbance
Indigestion
Liver disease
Sees adults only
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MB BS MS FRCS
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Colorectal cancer
Endoscopy
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Colonoscopy
Rectal bleeding
Pilonidal sinus disease
Colon...
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Colorectal cancer
Endoscopy
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Colonoscopy
Rectal bleeding
Pilonidal sinus disease
Colon...
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MBBS BSc MRCP SCE Gastroenterology
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General Gastroenterology
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
Endoscopy
Polypectomy
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MBBS BSc MRCP SCE Gastroenterology
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General Gastroenterology
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
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MBBS (Lond), MD (Lond), FRCP (Lond)
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Disorders of the gut, liver, pancreas and bile ducts
Complex endoscopy
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Liver...
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MBBS (Lond), MD (Lond), FRCP (Lond)
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Disorders of the gut, liver, pancreas and bile ducts
Complex endoscopy
Bowel cancer screening
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Liver...
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Indigestion
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Liver, pancreatic & biliary disorders
Bowel cancer screening
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BSc MBBS MD FRCP
Clinical Interests
Indigestion
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Liver, pancreatic & biliary disorders
Bowel cancer screening
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Indigestion/ reflux disease
Swallowing disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome
Bowel cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease
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Indigestion/ reflux disease
Swallowing disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome
Bowel cancer
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Upper GI disorders
Indigestion
Reflux
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Upper and lower...
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Upper GI disorders
Indigestion
Reflux
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Upper and lower...
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FRCP, BSc, PhD, DTM&H
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Endoscopy
Colonoscopy
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
GI infection
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FRCP, BSc, PhD, DTM&H
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Endoscopy
Colonoscopy
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
GI infection
Indigestion and...
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BSc MBBS (Hons) MD FRCP
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I am a Consultant Gastroenterologist based at St George’s Hospital, London and Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton....
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BSc MBBS (Hons) MD FRCP
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I am a Consultant Gastroenterologist based at St George’s Hospital, London and Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton....
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MBChB, MSc, FRCP(UK)
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All aspects of luminal gastroenterology
Bowel cancer screening
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative...
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MBChB, MSc, FRCP(UK)
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All aspects of luminal gastroenterology
Bowel cancer screening
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative...