Testing and diagnosing bowel cancer

Symptoms of bowel cancer can be very similar to other bowel-related conditions, however, it’s important to diagnose what is causing these symptoms. If it is cancer an early diagnosis can make all the difference to successful treatment.

Across our diagnostic centres and hospitals our expert teams have access to the latest tests and scans to diagnose bowel cancer and provide you with a personalised treatment and care plan.

At HCA Healthcare UK we have expert consultants who offer a range of tests to diagnose bowel cancer which include colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, CT scan, blood tests and biopsy.

We know that this can be a very worrying time, so we’ll make sure you get the answers you need as quickly as possible.

If you are diagnosed with bowel cancer you’ll have access to a whole team of cancer specialists, led by our expert Consultants, who have extensive experience in treating bowel cancer and will provide you with the best possible treatment options, no matter your diagnosis.

Our teams of cancer specialists which include consultants, cancer nurses and other cancer healthcare experts, work together to ensure you receive a personalised treatment plan, without delay.

Endoscopy is a type of test using a small camera that is attached to a thin tube to look inside your body. There are different types of endoscopy, but bowel symptoms are usually investigated using a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, so that a specialist can look inside your bowel.

At HCA Healthcare UK, we are able to offer virtual colonoscopy (also known as CT colonography) for patients who are unable to have a regular colonoscopy.

A CT scanner is used to produce images of the large bowel and rectum. This type of colonoscopy can identify growths such as polyps or changes to the shape of the bowel.

However, it doesn’t provide the same level of detail as a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, and samples or polyp removal cannot take place at the same time, so further tests or treatment may be required.

After your initial diagnostic tests, your consultant will explain your results at a follow-up consultation. If you are diagnosed with bowel cancer, further tests may be required to determine the size and stage of the cancer. This may include scans or ultrasounds. 

Your consultant will discuss any further diagnostics with you in more detail and arrange a time for these to take place. Sometimes these can even be arranged on the same day. Our team of Clinical Nurse Specialists will be available to support you.