Ms. BJ is a healthy 46-year-old woman who follows a balanced diet, doesn’t smoke, and occasionally enjoys a glass of wine with dinner. She has no gastrointestinal symptoms or visible rectal bleeding but has a family history of bowel cancer.
Screening
Ms. BJ received her National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) faecal occult blood test (FOBT) in the mail. This test checks for hidden blood in your stool (poop).
Ms BJ mailed her sample to the laboratory as outlined in the information she received in the mail, and two weeks later, her General Practitioner (GP) contacted her with the results.
Test results
Ms. BJ’s results were positive for blood in her stool. Her GP referred her to a Gastroenterologist, which in this case was me.
Further testing with a Gastroenterologist
During our consultation, I quickly arranged a colonoscopy to investigate further. During the procedure, I found a 5 cm lesion in her left colon. I took a biopsy, applied a marker (tattoo) to the area, and sent the sample for urgent analysis.
Diagnosis and referral to a Colorectal surgeon
The biopsy confirmed that Ms. BJ had colorectal cancer. I referred her to a colorectal surgeon for further treatment.
Alternate test outcome & Future screening
If Ms. BJ’s NBCSP test had been negative, she would still need to follow up with an FOBT every 2 years and a colonoscopy every 5 years due to her family history.
Recognising bowel cancer symptoms
- Changes in bowel habits
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Rectal bleeding
- Feeling of a lump or incomplete bowel movement
- Tiredness and fatigue (can indicate iron deficiency anemia)
- No symptoms in the early stages
Risk factors for bowel cancer
- Age: Common in those over 45
- Family history of bowel cancer
- Diet low in fiber and high in fat, particularly processed meat
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Certain conditions like inflammatory bowel disease
Importance of early diagnosis
Early diagnosis can save lives. If bowel cancer is detected early, treatment is often more successful, and survival rates improve significantly. Over 90% of bowel cancer cases can be treated successfully if found early.
NBCSP expands age for screening
Previously, only people aged 50-74 could get a bowel cancer test kit.
From July 1, 2024, the program extends to those aged 45-74. National screening has greatly improved survival rates, making it crucial to participate in the screening and consult your GP if you notice any symptoms.
For more information, visit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program website.
Doctor Profile
Dr Anny Rizvi, Gastroenterologist
Dr Rizvi completed her Gastroenterology training from Adelaide and moved to Melbourne for a Fellow year at Eastern health in advanced Inflammatory bowel disease. Dr Rizvi has a particular interest in bowel cancer, luminal gastroenterology, management of inflammatory bowel disease and functional gut disorders and actively involved in the teaching, research with multiple publications and presented in numerous national meetings. Dr Rizvi practices privately at Knox Private Hospital and has a public appointment across Eastern Health hospitals.
Contact:
Knox Private Hospital
Suite 11A, 262 Mountain Highway, Wantirna 3152
P 03 9790 0188 | F 03 9790 0077
E reception@mdcgastro.com.au | W www.mdcgastro.com.au
Please note:
While we make every effort to make sure the information contained in this blog and otherwise on this website is accurate and informative, it should not be used as a substitute for obtaining your own professional or medical advice.
Do not use the information in this blog:
- to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease;
- for therapeutic purposes; or
- as a substitute for the advice of a health professional.
Healthscope Ltd and its related entities do not provide any guarantees, and assume no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information contained in this blog or on our website, or for any injury, loss or damage caused by its use.
