Gastrointestinal Cancer Screening
What is gastrointestinal cancer screening?
Gastrointestinal cancer screening refers to the process of testing individuals for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions before they develop symptoms. Screening is important in detecting bowel (colorectal) cancer and stomach and oesophageal cancers in high-risk groups. Screening is highly effective because it allows for the removal of precancerous polyps or the detection of cancer at a very early, curable stage.
Who needs screening?
Screening is recommended for the general population at a specific age, but high-risk individuals require earlier or more frequent screening. Screening saves lives.
Bowel cancer screening (general population): Commences at age 45 using a faecal occult blood test via the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
High-risk individuals: Those with a family history of bowel cancer or polyps, a personal history of IBD, or known genetic syndromes (e.g., Lynch syndrome) need specialist recommendations for a screening strategy
Risk factors: Age, family history, smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol, and low fibre/high red meat diet.
How might screening be performed?
Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) A simple test that checks for hidden blood in the stool. A positive result necessitates a follow-up colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy: The most effective screening and prevention tool for bowel cancer, as it allows for the detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
Gastroscopy: May be used to screen for stomach or oesophageal cancer in individuals with specific risk factors (e.g., severe Barrett's oesophagus, strong family history, or certain genetic syndromes).
Prevention and early treatment
The primary goal of screening is prevention through polypectomy (removal of precancerous polyps during colonoscopy). When early gastrointestinal cancer is detected:
Endoscopic resection: techniques like endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can cure early-stage cancers that have not spread, often avoiding major surgery.
Surgery and oncologic care: More advanced cancers require multidisciplinary care involving surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy.
Discuss gastrointestinal screening with an expert
Dr Shane Selvanderan is committed to high-quality endoscopy for cancer prevention. He specialises in providing tailored screening advice and performs high-quality diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures, including advanced endoscopic resection techniques (EMR/ESD), to ensure the best outcomes for prevention, early detection and management of gastrointestinal cancers. He is also a key member of several cancer multidisciplinary teams in both the public and private health settings.