In Scotland, those over the age of 50 will receive a bowel screening test kit through the post by the NHS. Once you return the kit, you'll usually receive the results within 2 weeks. This test is also available at Albyn Hospital, and is open to anyone of any age who may have concerns.
Screening helps to detect certain bowel abnormalities at an early stage, which increases the likelihood of successful treatment. If you have received a positive Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), you will require a colonoscopy.
There are two main parts to the bowel, the small bowel and the large bowel. The most common type of bowel cancer affects the large bowel which is made up of the colon and rectum.
Bowel cancer, where is starts in the large bowl, is also known as colorectal cancer.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer. More than 9 out of 10 people who develop bowel cancer in the UK are over the age of 50.
Most bowel cancers develop when abnormal cells starting to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way and polyps, develop. These may turn into invasive cancer if undetected.
Knowing the symptoms of bowel cancer and seeing a doctor early about it can save lives. However, recent statistics show that one fifth of UK adults are embarrassed to visit the doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer and over 65% of people aren’t confident in identifying the symptoms.
“With bowel cancer, if you catch it early the prognosis is always a lot better” – Dr Malcom Smith, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Albyn Hospital.
Symptoms can include:
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or fever
Seek medical attention if you notice any persistent symptoms that worry you. Dr Umesh Basavaraju, Consultant Gastroenterologist. at Albyn HOspital says “In symptomatic people it is more likely that the cancer to be at an advanced stage”
Causes of bowel cancer/lifestyle factors:
- Inherited genetic risk and family history.
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease.
- High red meat consumption, especially processed meats because of the chemicals they contain that can damage cells lining the bowel
- Drinking excess alcohol
- Polyps
- Being overweight or obese.
“On the other hand there are food groups which are thought to be preventative, For example, eating a plant-based diet and also eating a lot of berries – these have a lot of polyphenols in them which are anti-inflammatory in nature and can prevent bowel cancer” – Dr Umesh Basavaraju, Consultant Gastroenterologist.
You will be given an appointment to be reviewed by one of our nursing team to assess your suitability for the colonoscopy, and to discuss what the procedure will entail.
At the appointment you will be given a date for the colonoscopy. This procedure can usually be performed within 14 days of your first appointment.
A colonoscopy is a procedure that looks at the inside of your large bowel (colon) using a tiny camera. If the consultant finds anything of concern during the procedure, they can perform a biopsy (removing small pieces of tissue) to help make a diagnosis. Sometimes a polyp (small growth) is the cause of the problem and the consultant may be able to remove it during the procedure.
What to expect on the day of your colonoscopy:
You will meet one of our private bowel screening consultants who will carry out the procedure.
The colonoscopy takes place within one of our theatre rooms and will take approximately 45 minutes.
The consultant will be able to give you some preliminary results and may recommend a CT scan. Where possible, this will be performed on the day of the procedure.
The results of any biopsies taken are usually available within two weeks.
All the Consultant Gastroenterologists along with Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeons at Albyn Hospital are able to offer bowel screening.
Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeons offering bowel screening:
- Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) - *£110.46
- Colonoscopy - *£2,858
- CT scan - price on request
*The prices that are shown above are only an estimate and are for self-paying patients. Consultant fees not included. The final cost of your treatment will always be confirmed in writing by after your consultation.
- Expert assessment from an experienced Consultant Gastroenterologist. You will see the same consultant throughout the entirety of their treatment journey.
- A team of expert private bowel screening consultants to determine an appropriate personalised treatment plan.
- Fast access to the colonoscopy procedure
- Fast access to further investigations if required.
- You can book an initial consultation online with most of our consultants.
- *97.0% of patients said their overall experience of our service was good or very good.
*During the period of January to December 2023 Albyn Hospital received 2,170 completed Inpatient/Day Case patient surveys.
Accessing private healthcare is easy, whether you choose to pay directly or use private medical insurance.
If you are paying for yourself, we can usually offer an upfront cost which you can then choose to pay in full or access one of our easy payment options.
If you have insurance, we can arrange direct settlement with your insurance provider, although you should check in advance to see if your treatment is covered. For more information, visit our private medical insurance page.
For anyone considering a bowel screening consultation at Albyn Hospital, you can book an appointment online with our Consultant Gastroenterologist or contact our friendly team on 01224 595993
