Bowel cancer is more common than many people realise with nearly 300 Australians diagnosed every week.
What makes this disease especially dangerous is how quietly it can develop. Often referred to as the “silent thief,” it can lay dormant in the bowel for years without any noticeable symptoms, meaning it’s very possible to have bowel cancer without knowing it.
Most bowel cancers begin in the lining of the colon or rectum and gradually grow over time. If left undetected, they can spread to other parts of the body such as the liver or lungs, making treatment more complex.
While bowel cancer has traditionally been more common in people aged 50 and over, there has been a noticeable rise in diagnoses among younger adults in recent years. That’s why screening is so important as it helps detect changes early before you even realise anything is wrong.
The good news? When bowel cancer is found early, it’s often highly treatable. In many cases, early detection can mean simpler treatment, better outcomes, and a much higher chance of recovery.
In Australia, screening can start at home. If you’re aged 50–74, you’ll automatically receive a free at-home bowel screening kit every two years from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, and if you’re aged 45–49, you can opt into the program early. It’s simple, private, and an important first step in checking for early warning signs.
But while the at-home test is valuable, the most effective way to detect (and even prevent) bowel cancer is a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy is a simple procedure where a specialist uses a thin, flexible camera to look inside your bowel and check for anything unusual, like polyps or early signs of cancer.
Also known as lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, it’s the most accurate way to detect bowel cancer early, and it can even help prevent it. During the procedure, doctors can remove precancerous polyps, take tissue samples, and treat minor issues on the spot, all in one visit. It’s one of the most effective procedures we have to protect bowel health and improve long-term patient outcomes.
You shouldn’t wait for something to feel seriously wrong. A colonoscopy is recommended if:
The key is listening to your body, acting early and being an advocate for your own health. If something doesn’t feel right, or even if you just want peace of mind, speak to your GP about whether a colonoscopy is right for you.
Booking in for a colonoscopy to investigate your digestive concerns doesn’t have to be a complex or drawn-out process. If you have a referral from your GP and meet the eligibility criteria, you can book in directly for your procedure through our doctors’ Rapid Access Endoscopy Service which skips the usual specialist consultation, saving you valuable time.
This service is especially important for people at higher risk, including those with a positive at-home screening result, rectal bleeding, ongoing digestive symptoms, or a family history of bowel cancer. You’ll receive your results generally on the day of your procedure or shortly after, with a report sent directly to your GP along with clear next steps and follow-up support. It’s all about acting early, reducing uncertainty, and giving you clarity when you need it most.
To book an appointment with one of our specialists you will need a referral from your GP.
Please click on you preferred Doctor below and contact their private practice directly to make a booking.
Our hospital and your doctor’s rooms will provide you with clear, easy-to-follow instructions for your endoscopy procedure making the preparation simple and stress-free. Below, you’ll find more information on what to expect, based on the type of endoscopy you’re having.
Effective bowel preparation is essential for a successful colonoscopy. Before your procedure, you will complete a health assessment form and be provided with education on the special diet and bowel preparation fluid you are required to take to thoroughly cleanse your colon. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure your doctor has the clearest possible view during the colonoscopy.
You will be asked to fast before your gastroscopy as your stomach needs to be empty which means no food or drinks for a set period beforehand. You’ll also receive clear advice about any regular medications, with instructions tailored to your individual health needs based on your doctor’s recommendations.
On arrival, our friendly team will greet you and guide you through each step of the process so you feel at ease. Twilight anaesthesia will be administered so you are comfortable and sedated in a dream-like state of relaxation throughout the procedure. The endoscope is then gently inserted through the appropriate natural opening, allowing your doctor to perform a thorough examination, taking biopsies, or carrying out minor therapeutic treatments if required.
After the procedure, you will wake and rest in a comfortable recovery area under supervision until the effects of the sedation wear off. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and are able to go home shortly afterwards.
As the sedative may temporarily affect your reflexes and judgement, you will need someone to drive you home from the hospital and remain with you overnight.
Endoscopy is generally very safe, and serious complications are rare. However, it’s still important to understand the potential risks even though they’re uncommon. These can include:
Rest assured, these risks are carefully managed through expert care and close monitoring by our experienced team.
A procedure that uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the digestive tract. Endoscopy includes investigation of the upper gastrointestinal tract (gastroscopy) and the lower gastrointestinal tract (colonoscopy).
A faster way to get your procedure done. If you’re eligible, under Rapid Access you can book your endoscopy generally within 7–14 days, without needing an initial specialist consultation.
To investigate symptoms (e.g. pain, bleeding, reflux), follow up abnormal screening results, if you fall into a high risk category, or to monitor existing conditions.
You’re in the care of highly trained and experienced specialists at Pacific Private Hospital who are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Our Rapid Access Endoscopists are:
Colonoscopy: You will be provided with bowel prep instructions to clear your bowels before the procedure.
Gastroscopy: Requires fasting for several hours beforehand.
Patients feel no pain as we use sedation to perform endoscopy and you will be closely monitored by an anaesthetist.
The procedure can take anywhere from 15 – 45 minutes. You can expect to be at the hospital for a few hours as additional time is spent in recovery.
Yes endoscopy (including gastroscopy and colonoscopy) is considered very safe. For most patients, it’s a routine day procedure. Like any procedure though side effects can be experienced and its important to be aware of these.
Mild & temporary side effects you may experience:
Less common side effects:
Serious and rare side effects:
It can identify conditions such as polyps, bowel cancer, inflammation, ulcers, and sources of bleeding.
Costs may vary:
Privately insured patients – Medicare rebates apply for consultations. Procedure costs are typically made up of three separate components: the hospital fee, your doctor’s fee, and the anaesthetist’s fee.
If you hold appropriate private health insurance, you will generally only need to pay the applicable excess or co-payment on your policy. The anaesthetist and your treating doctor will each provide details of their fees separately.
Uninsured (self-funded) patients – our hospital can provide a competitive all-inclusive quote on request to undergo your procedure privately instead of waiting through the public system. Please contact our helpful team for more information:
Most patients resume normal activities the next day so the downtime is minimal.
