BOWELSCAN – GENERAL INFORMATION.

OBJECT OF BOWELSCAN

1.    Develop a Community Awareness of the nature of bowel cancer.
2.    Earlier detection of potential or actual bowel cancer.
 

CANCER OF THE BOWEL

Australia has the world’s highest incidence of bowel cancer - 1 in 21 (for both men and women). Age is an important factor.  The risk begins at age 40, doubling every 5 years until age 60 and even more rapidly as the person gets older.
Statistics show 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully cured if detected at an early stage.  Early detection leads to an improved prognosis and less severe treatment.

BOWEL CANCERS begin as polyp. Polyps are growths occurring in the lining of the bowel.  Not all polyps are cancerous, they may or may not bleed and cause diarrhea and pain.  Because polyps can develop into cancer, early diagnosis and removal of all polyps is important.

ANNUAL TESTING - It is strongly recommended  ALL men and women over the age of 40 to have a Bowelscan test EVERY YEAR.

HIGH RISK  - The risk of bowel cancer increases 3 to 4 times the average if:

• one or more of your blood relatives (parent, sibling or child) have had bowel cancer or polyps.
• You’ve previously had bowel cancer or polyps.
• You’ve had extensive inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
• You have a history of bleeding with or in the stool.
• You have  experienced a recent change in bowel habit or pain in lower abdomen.

Persons in any of the above categories should consult their doctor for follow up investigation.

NOTE:   Many bowel cancers also occur in people without high risk factors.