At Valewood Clinic, the doctors understand the importance of the bowel cancer screening test. This service is available to all patients in the Mulgrave Clinic. Early detection of bowel cancer, in most cases, offers better outcomes for patients which is why the bowel screening test is so important.
Bowel cancer develops from the inner lining of the bowel. Doctors usually identify it by the growths or polyps that develop, which can become cancerous if undetected. Depending on where the cancer begins, medical specialists may also call bowel cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer.
Why Bowel Cancer Screening is Important?
Bowel cancer can develop without any symptoms, so testing before you notice any changes to your health is key to catching any early growths. If doctors detect cancers early, they can successfully treat more than 90% of cases. Screening can help identify people at higher risk of cancer and it can also lower the need for intense and invasive treatments for advanced cases.
Who Should Undergo Screening for Bowel Cancer?
The following patients at Valewood, should consider a bowel test if they fall into any one of these categories:
- Eligible Australian over the age of 45;
- Have a family history of the disease;
- Notice blood in your stool; or
- Are experiencing unexplained weight loss.
Talk to the doctor if you are concerned about any of the above symptoms.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
Between the ages of 45 – 74, the Government offers eligible Australians a free test to do at home. Most people in this age group will receive a bowel cancer screen kit in the post.
The process is an easy and simple one. It involves providing stool samples in the comfort of your own home. Once you have collected the samples, post them back for free to the laboratory. Specialists will analyse your samples and mail your results to you in approximately two weeks.
Every two years, you should repeat the process and submit your results.
The National Bowel Program offers further information about the bowel test on their website.
Bowel Screening Process at Valewood Clinic
At Valewood Clinic, we can help you with this process. Please make an appointment with the doctors to discuss your needs.
You will need to give stool samples to the doctor. The doctor will send these samples to a lab for testing. The Clinic will be in contact with you should you require another appointment.
What happens if your bowel cancer screening test is positive?
If your test results come back positive at Valewood Clinic, the doctor will likely refer you to a specialist for further investigation; for example a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon.
A specialist may recommend a colonoscopy or other tests to identify the reasons behind your symptoms and positive test. A colonoscopy is a procedure where a medical specialist can examine the inner lining of your bowel. Other tests could include a blood test.
FAQ’s :
Q1: How often should I have a Bowel Screen Test?
We recommend completing a test every two years. If you are on the Bowel Screening register, then you will receive a notification and test kit in the mail. If you see blood in your stools or feel unwell, please call the Valewood Clinic in Mulgrave to book an appointment with a doctor.
Q2: What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Bowel Cancer?
If you notice blood in your stool, changes in your bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, please reach out to Valewood Clinic. While these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious conditions, it is important to take all health changes seriously.
Early detection of Bowel Cancer Screening, can help save your life. The team at Valewood Clinic work hard to raise awareness about bowel cancer. They emphasize how important regular testing is for early detection and therefore better health outcomes.
Regular check-ups and screenings can provide reassurance for you and contribute to your overall well-being too, so be sure to make a time to complete and send in your test or book an appointment with a Valewood Clinic doctor today
