Gold Standard Colonoscopy test for Bowel (Colorectal) Cancer
Braemar Hospital is very pleased to be able to offer Gold Standard testing and prevention for Bowel Cancer to patients regardless of age, symptoms or family history.
Braemar has set up a comprehensive all-inclusive package to screen for bowel cancer and remove polyps. The package includes a full colonoscopy and a follow up appointment with a Specialist. The cost of this is $2500*.
Statistics – Bowel cancer rates
The incidence of bowel cancer in New Zealand is one of the highest in the world and is the second highest cause of cancer death after lung cancer.
Bowel cancer is curable if detected early enough.
The NZ National Bowel Screening Programme will only be available to those over 60 and has limitations.
Risks
Men and women are equally at risk of developing bowel cancer. This disease is commoner in the over 50s, but may occur in younger individuals. Over 75 percent of these cancers occur in people without risk factors, hence the importance of screening.
Factors that may increase the risk of developing bowel cancer include:
- Family History
Having a close family member with colorectal cancer increases the individual risk by 2-3 times. This increases to 3-6 times if there are multiple or young family members affected.
- Personal Medical History
A personal or family history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease and other cancers such as ovarian, breast, and endometrial may put you at higher risk for developing bowel cancer.
- Lifestyle Risk Factors
- Physical inactivity
- Being overweight
- High alcohol intake
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- A change in bowel habit lasting for several weeks or more. This may include, for example, diarrhoea, constipation or a sensation of incomplete emptying of the bowel
- Blood in the bowel motion
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
- Others such as weakness, fatigue, weight loss or anaemia.
