Preventive Bowel Cancer Screening

It’s important to be aware of the common symptoms of bowel cancer. 

If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s worth seeking advice and considering a screening:

• Blood in your stool
• Persistent changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhoea or constipation)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing abdominal discomfort, bloating or cramps
• Feeling like your bowel hasn’t fully emptied

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but it’s important to rule out serious conditions early.

Yes, you can. While the NHS bowel cancer screening programme usually starts at age 60, private screening is available sooner. At Phoenix Hospital Group, we offer private bowel cancer screening for anyone over 50 or earlier if you have symptoms or a family history of the disease. 

Early screening helps detect potential issues before they become more serious and gives you quicker access to treatment if needed.

A CT scan uses X-rays to produce highly detailed images of the body, allowing the radiologist (a doctor trained in interpreting scans) to identify abnormalities in the organs of the body.

Scans take a few seconds, although you will usually be in the scanner room for a few minutes whilst the radiography team helps to plan your scan.

CT scans are usually quick and comfortable, and most people find them easy to manage. In some cases, we may need to place a small tube into a vein in your arm to give a contrast dye. This helps us get the clearest and most accurate images possible.

CT scans use a small amount of X-ray radiation. The dose from a CT colonography is very low – roughly the same as the amount of natural background radiation most people receive over one to three years in the UK.

While any exposure to radiation carries a very small theoretical risk, there is no evidence of harm from the low levels used in medical imaging. 

At Phoenix Hospital Group, we follow strict safety standards and use the lowest dose necessary to get clear, accurate results. We avoid using radiation in younger patients unless needed and always aim to keep your exposure as low as possible.

Sedation is not needed for this test. Most people find it slightly uncomfortable at times, but any discomfort usually settles quickly once the scan is finished. Because there is no sedation, you’ll be able to drive yourself home afterwards.

You can have this test whether you have bowel symptoms or not. However, many insurance companies only cover the test if you have symptoms of bowel cancer, which means you may need to pay for your screening yourself.

As with any bowel test, there is a very small risk of a tear in the bowel lining. This is rare and happens in fewer than 1 in 3000 cases. Most people who experience this have no symptoms, and very few need further treatment. If any medication is needed during your scan, the radiographer will explain any possible side effects beforehand.

If your results show something unusual, such as polyps, we’ll explain what this means and talk through your next steps, which may include further tests or treatment. 

If further tests are required, we may try to organise them for the same day – especially if this means you do not have to have another bowel preparation.

Not always. If any polyps are found, your doctor will talk you through the options. Larger polyps (over 1 centimetre) are usually removed or biopsied during a follow-up endoscopy. Smaller polyps may not need treatment and can often be monitored with future scans. 

Every case is different, and your radiologist will work with you and your doctor to decide what’s best for your health.

The NHS bowel cancer screening programme uses a home test kit to check for blood in your stool. This test is sent automatically every two years to people aged 60 to 74 in England. While it’s a useful tool, it can miss early signs of cancer or other abnormalities.

Our private bowel cancer screening using CT colonography – a detailed, in-clinic scan that produces images of your bowel and surrounding organs. Unlike the NHS kit, our screening is available to anyone over 50 or with symptoms, and you don’t need to wait for an invitation. You’ll also receive fast results and direct access to leading bowel health specialists.

CT colonography is generally well tolerated. Some people feel mild discomfort when gas is introduced into the bowel, but this usually passes quickly.

The frequency of your bowel cancer screenings depends on several factors, such as your age and risk factors. Those over 50 may benefit from more regular screenings (every two years). Similarly, people with a higher risk of bowel cancer may also need more regular screenings.

If you’re unsure when you should have a bowel cancer screening, contact our team today. We’ll help you understand what’s best for your needs.