Blog

Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer and the 2nd most common cause of death within the UK, making it a strong target for new and innovative detection technologies. Early detection is vital for potential intervention and cure with any disease, however, we still see the majority of cases not being diagnosed early due to lack of knowledge or understanding of symptoms.

Bowel cancer is an all-inclusive term for cancer in the large bowel or colon and the back passage or the rectum. Abnormal cells start to divide and grow in an uncontrollable way which can lead to the possibility of unwanted cells spreading to other parts of the body.

To help minimise this progression, a simple test to help diagnose possible symptoms leading to potential intervention is the most successful tool we have in reducing these statistics.

The new qFIT (Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test) testing package is a tool used for primary screening for patients without symptoms as a preventative measure or as a management guide for patients with symptoms. The simple stool sample test does not look for cancerous cells specifically, however, detects certain antibodies and blood in the stool that could develop into cancerous symptoms. This is used as the first line of detection to allow for further testing if needed to identify the cause.

This new test, now offered here at Coyne Medical, has been shown to detect twice as many cancers and four times as many advanced polyps as the previous test, making it the most effective point of call for early detection. People between the ages of 60-74 years are advised to have a screening every 2 years, however, if you have any relevant family history, a simple concern or would like to find out more information about symptoms or the test itself, please contact us on 020 7731 3077.