COMING SOON | CT Scans at Prime Health Surrey
Prime Health Surrey is enhancing its healthcare offering with the installation of a state-of-the-art CT scanner. Appointments available from mid-October.
Learn moreApril marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to emphasise the significance of understanding this prevalent yet often preventable disease.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Yet, with early detection and treatment, survival rates dramatically increase.
Mr Pasha Nisar, a consultant general and colorectal surgeon specialising in bowel cancer treatment, holds regular clinics at our Surrey centre. He is dedicated to raising awareness of this disease and helping you protect your bowel health by investigating any worrying symptoms as early as possible.
While some symptoms may induce discomfort or embarrassment, they should never be disregarded, especially concerning bowel health.
Bowel cancer can impact anyone, necessitating extra vigilance if the following symptoms arise:
Bowel cancer symptoms can be subtle and may not appear until later stages of the disease. The tumour’s location within the large bowel influences the specific symptoms experienced. For example, right-sided colon cancers can grow larger before causing any noticeable symptoms, often with anaemia being the first indicator. If you have unexplained iron deficiency anaemia, it is crucial to investigate the cause and rule out colorectal cancer.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, consult your doctor immediately. You may also seek a specialist opinion from a colorectal surgeon for further assessment. In the UK, colorectal surgeons manage the ‘two-week wait’ pathway, ensuring rapid investigation for patients with suspected bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer is highly treatable in its early stages, with over 90% survival rates upon early diagnosis. Regrettably, this number declines significantly with delayed diagnosis. Hence, early detection through diagnostic screenings and prompt medical attention for symptoms that are concerning serve as paramount defences.
Should concerns arise, your GP or colorectal surgeon may initiate investigations, typically starting with a colonoscopy to discern underlying issues. Additionally, a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) may be arranged to quantify microscopic blood in stool. However, even if the FIT result is negative, individuals exhibiting the above-mentioned red flag symptoms may still undergo a colonoscopy.
Diagnostic tests for colorectal health include a colonoscopy, which is the gold standard for investigating bowel symptoms. This procedure involves bowel preparation with a laxative the day before and adhering to strict dietary instructions from your doctor.
Sedation and pain relief are often administered during the procedure to ensure patient comfort. This examination is performed using either a CCD camera or a fibre optic camera, which is mounted on a flexible tube and passed through the anus.
The procedure typically takes 20 minutes and allows for direct visualisation of the colon’s interior, the removal of pre-malignant polyps, and biopsies for analysis. Following the procedure, biopsies of any detected polyps or lesions are analysed and the results are quickly relayed to you for peace of mind.
Alternatively, CT colonography may be conducted for those opposed to invasive tests, offering equivalent detection rates for polyps and cancer.
At Prime Health, we prioritise your well-being and advocate for preventative measures over cure.
Our services to support bowel health include:
Maintaining or achieving a healthy bowel involves:
Though symptoms may stem from conditions other than bowel cancer, prompt evaluation of any worrying symptoms is imperative. Do not allow fear or embarrassment to deter seeking medical attention—a timely assessment could be life-saving.
This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, commit to proactive health management. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor and explore suitable screening options.
For further information or appointments with Mr Pasha Nisar, contact our team at 03300 252 100.
Prime Health is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions, ensuring convenient access to top-notch diagnostics and consultations.
Our priority is your health, and we are committed to empowering you with the resources and expertise to safeguard your bowel health.
Prime Health Surrey is enhancing its healthcare offering with the installation of a state-of-the-art CT scanner. Appointments available from mid-October.
Learn moreIn partnership with the General Practice Group, we have extended our Private GP service to our centre in Harley Street, London.
Learn moreIn partnership with the General Practice Group, we have extended our Private GP service to our centre in Brighton.
Learn moreIf an injury is preventing you from fully enjoying life, you can now self refer and book an MRI scan at each of our centres, immediately. Same day appointments available.
Learn more