Bowel Cancer

Question 1

what are the predisposing factors for colorectal cancer ?

Answer 1

lack of exercise, diet low in fruit and vegetables, high fat diet, obesity , alcohol consumption, smoking , family history, genetic syndromes

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer ?

Answer 2

persistent change in bowel habits
blood in the faeces
abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating after eating

Question 3

What are the NICE referral recommendations for bowel cancer ?

Answer 3

patient should be refered using a suspected cancer pathway refferal within 2 weeks.

if presenting with unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding , iron defiency , bowel habit change

Question 4

What is the fast diagnosis standard ?

Answer 4

a standard ensuring patients are given a definite cancer diagnosis withing 28 days from referral to reuduce prolonged waiting times , patient anxiety

Question 5

How often should a person aged 50-74 have bowel cancer screening ?

Answer 5

every 2 years with a home test kit

Question 6

How does Bowel Cancer screening work ?

Answer 6

patient collects sample of faeces and dips test kit stick in it, and return it to labs then their results are sent back in two weeks

normal result = patient screened again in two years

abnormal results = patient is referred for assessment and offered colonoscopy