Gastrointestinal Cancer Screening

Why It Matters

Screening with gastroscopy and colonoscopy plays a crucial role in early detection of digestive tract conditions—including cancers, pre-cancerous lesions, ulcers, and structural abnormalities. Many conditions present with non‑specific symptoms like abdominal discomfort, reflux, changes in bowel habits, unexplained iron deficiency or anaemia, and occult bleeding—making early examination essential.

What Is Gastroscopy?

Gastroscopy (also known as upper endoscopy) involves introducing a thin, flexible camera under sedation through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. It helps diagnose:

Persistent or unexplained upper abdominal pain or reflux
Anaemia or gastrointestinal bleeding
Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) or painful swallowing
Chronic nausea or vomiting
Surveillance for known precancerous lesions

What Is Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy involves passing a flexible endoscope unders sedation through the anus to inspect the entire colon. It requires bowel preparation to ensure clear visualisation and enables detection and removal of colorectal polyps or early cancers, and investigation of:

Biopsies can be taken during the procedure or minor therapeutic interventions performed (e.g. removal of polyps and treatment of haemorrhoids).