What are the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer?

Around 3,000 new cases of bowel cancer will be diagnosed in men and women in Ireland every year. It is the 2nd most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ireland in men and 3rd for women. It is easy to diagnose by measuring blood in the stool which can indicate abnormalities in the bowel, as bowel abnormalities are more likely to bleed than normal tissue. You may wish to consider a bowel cancer test if you have had signs of bleeding, are over the age of 60 or you are concerned about your bowel health. If cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage, treatments are more likely to be effective.

How can Bowel Cancer be tested?

Our bowel cancer test identifies possible signs of bowel disease or cancer. The test is able to detect small amounts of blood in your faeces (poo) which you would not normally be able to see or be aware of. You will be required to provide a stool sample. Once we have your stool sample it will be sent to our accredited laboratory for fast and accurate analysis.

What tests will you run on my sample?

  • Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test (qFIT). This test will analyse stool samples for hidden or 'occult' blood

What happens if my Bowel Cancer Test results are positive?

If your Bowel Cancer test results are positive you should see a doctor. A positive result may indicate bleeding in your digestive tract but does not necessarily mean you have cancer. There are other conditions that may produce a positive result such as ulcers, haemorrhoids, polyps, and benign tumours. You may need further follow up procedures to locate the source of the bleeding and ensure treatment success. Better2Know can organise private consultations across Ireland with our network of skilled doctors.

How can I book my Bowel Cancer Test?

To book your test, please call Better2Know on the number above. A member of our dedicated Patient Services team will be available to answer any questions and organise your booking. Better2Know provides a wide range of screens and health tests across Ireland. For your convenience, our welcoming and experienced team are available 24/7.