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Bowel cancer screening

Survival from bowel cancer is very stage-specific – early detection substantially improves survival.

  • Lifetime risk is about 1 : 18 for men, 1 : 23 for women.

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  • Average Risk: people who are aged 50 or more with no symptoms and no risk factors

  • Above Average Risk:

    • Personal History: Inflammatory Bowel disease, previous polyps removed

    • Family history:

      • Slightly increased risk: one relative dx’d over 55: 2 fold increase

      • Moderately increased risk: one first degree relative diagnosed at <55, or two family members on same side at any age: 6 fold increase

      • High Risk: HNPCC ( Hereditary Non Polposis colorectal cancer) ( Lynch Syndrome): 50% of children, FAP : 50% of affected children.

  • Foecal Occult Blood Tests ( FOBT’s):

    • In screening: a +ve test gives a 30 – 45 % chance of having an adenoma

    • Any positive test should be followed up with colonoscopy.

  • Colonoscopy: is the most accurate procedure.

  • The CEA blood test is not suitable for early diagnosis.

  • Virtual Colonoscopy, – still in early stages

  • There is level I evidence of a 15 – 33% reduction in mortality from bowel cancer for FOBT testing of asymptomatic patients

  • Screening colonoscopies for high risk groups

Opening hours
Contact

15 Martin St

Ballina NSW

(02) 6686 3299 

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm
Saturday 8:15 am - 10:00 am

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