Bowel care diagnostic pathway
Our rapid bowel care diagnostic pathway enables you to see a consultant, undergo the necessary tests and receive a diagnosis in the shortest possible time
Overview
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, but with an early diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, there is a very good chance of beating it.
At Cromwell Hospital, our bowel care diagnostic pathway aims to pick up the signs of bowel cancer as early as possible.
The pathway offers next day appointments with leading specialist consultants, with rapid access to any tests that you might need.
A diagnosis will be reached quickly, often during your initial consultation. This will then be followed by a tailored treatment plan, delivered by world-leading consultants.
What tests are involved?
Depending on your symptoms, you may need to have:
- Endoscopy – most likely you will be recommended either a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy
- CT (computed tomography) scan
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
The bowel care diagnostic pathway
Step 1: Initial consultation and clinical assessment
You will have your initial consultation with a colorectal consultant. They will assess your symptoms during your appointment and discuss the tests you need.
They may recommend you undergo testing there and then, such as a proctoscopy or rigid sigmoidoscopy.
Step 2: Diagnostic imaging and/or procedure
Your consultant may recommend other tests, including blood tests, imaging or endoscopic procedures, such as a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
Imaging can generally happen on the same day as your initial consultation. Endoscopic procedures usually require a 48-hour preparation period, to ensure your bowels are clear for the procedure.
Step 3: Follow up consultation
Your consultant will review the results of your tests and discuss these with you. They will then advise on next steps.
What happens if I’m diagnosed with bowel cancer?
If you receive a bowel cancer diagnosis, you will be supported every step of the way by your consultant and other members of your healthcare team.
Your case will be discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting. A multidisciplinary team is comprised of a group of experts from different clinical disciplines. They will discuss your test results and personal situation, and work together to jointly devise a tailored treatment plan.
Throughout your cancer journey, you can expect to receive a holistic package of care to help you with the management of the physical, emotional and mental side effects of cancer. This includes support from clinical nurse specialists, oncology counsellors, a cancer exercise specialist, and many more specialist services.
Treatments for bowel cancer
Depending on how far your bowel cancer has developed and your personal needs, the following treatments may be recommended to you.
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Targeted therapies – to help make chemotherapy more effective
To find out more about these treatments, please visit our dedicated bowel cancer page.
Pathway costs
If you are self paying for your care, we offer bespoke self pay packages for steps 2 and 3 of the bowel care diagnostic pathway. These will be based on the diagnostic plan recommended by your consultant after your initial clinical assessment.
Please note, the cost of the initial consultation (step 1) will vary depending on the consultant you are seeing.
Why choose us?
Our bowel care diagnostic pathway offers:
Seamless and rapid transition from diagnosis to treatment
Leading consultant colorectal surgeons to guide you through each step of the process
Expert multidisciplinary cancer care on-site in the event of a cancer diagnosis
Different payment options – this service is available to everyone, whether using health insurance or paying for yourself
Book an appointment today
Our telephone lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturdays.
Alternatively, fill out our appointment request form and we'll be in touch shortly.
Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.