News3 mins ago
Bowel Cancer Screening
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11461495
The government is proposing to spend £60m to test for bowel cancer. This involves inserting a camera into the lower bowel from the rectum using sigmoidoscopy. In this modern age of technological revolution does using invasive techniques offer the best method to provide the solution? It is not exactly pain free!
The test only caters for the lower bowel.
There are less invasive techniques that can scan the body in great detail and would cost less to administer. These take pictures of the entire bowel not just the lower end.
The government is proposing to spend £60m to test for bowel cancer. This involves inserting a camera into the lower bowel from the rectum using sigmoidoscopy. In this modern age of technological revolution does using invasive techniques offer the best method to provide the solution? It is not exactly pain free!
The test only caters for the lower bowel.
There are less invasive techniques that can scan the body in great detail and would cost less to administer. These take pictures of the entire bowel not just the lower end.
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The alternative is called virtual colonoscopy:
Virtual colonoscopy – for many years the only way of looking at the colon (large bowel) was to undergo a surgical procedure known as a colonoscopy. With the advances in CT scanning technology it has now become possible to gain all the images previously achieved from a colonoscopy but without the need for sedation or the use of an optical surgical scope (camera). The virtual colonoscopy captures hundreds of exceptionally detailed images from outside the body. The images build up a complete picture of the colon, which enables the Consultant Radiologist to undertake a ‘fly through’ of the entire colon allowing for visualisation of any small polyps or changes in the bowel such as diverticular disease.
Virtual colonoscopy – for many years the only way of looking at the colon (large bowel) was to undergo a surgical procedure known as a colonoscopy. With the advances in CT scanning technology it has now become possible to gain all the images previously achieved from a colonoscopy but without the need for sedation or the use of an optical surgical scope (camera). The virtual colonoscopy captures hundreds of exceptionally detailed images from outside the body. The images build up a complete picture of the colon, which enables the Consultant Radiologist to undertake a ‘fly through’ of the entire colon allowing for visualisation of any small polyps or changes in the bowel such as diverticular disease.
Are these less invasive techniques more expensive though, rov? In the current climate, and with the numbers of people to be screened, cost unfortunately has to be justified.
Having just completed the "poo on the window" test for bowel cancer screening, I must admit I was surprised to hear of this new initiative so soon after.
Having just completed the "poo on the window" test for bowel cancer screening, I must admit I was surprised to hear of this new initiative so soon after.
I've recently had a virtual colonoscopy and a flexible sigmoidoscopy. The virtual one was far more unpleasant: they pump you full of gas (for a clear picture) until you feel close to bursting. I found it painful. The sigmoidoscopy felt odd but it wasn't painful. I'd sooner have the real one to the virtual one any day. (This is not to say they do exaclty the same job.)
" poo on the window" test for bowel cancer screening, is not a sure fire way of diagnosing bowel cancer believe you me and these new measures sound a lot more sensible .
Some medical procedures are unfortunately not pain free and as for costs being "justified " boxtops ....I hope you are never in my shoes at the moment .
Some medical procedures are unfortunately not pain free and as for costs being "justified " boxtops ....I hope you are never in my shoes at the moment .
Budgeting is clearly an issue the NHS has its eye firmly pinned to these days. Just last week I went to my GP surgery and asked for a cholesterol test to be carried out on me but was told that, never having smoked, not being overweight, having normal blood pressure, no family history of diabeters, heart disease or stroke, etc., etc., I am far too healthy an individual for them to go to that trouble and expense over. I am firmly into the age bracket whereby my peers are beginning to die off, several through age related disease such as those where cholesterol monitoring is regarded as important. I have only once had my cholesterol checked, and that was probably well over a decade ago - on my GP surgery's initiative.
Agree shaneystar, my GP tests my cholesterol levels as well.
I know what you are saying about the poo test - but it came through the mail and I did it, better do it that not.
Sadly the postcode lottery is still alive and well in the NHS - but maybe all the coming changes proposed in the White Paper will start to even up availability of treatments, when the GP consortia hold the cheque book in future.
I know what you are saying about the poo test - but it came through the mail and I did it, better do it that not.
Sadly the postcode lottery is still alive and well in the NHS - but maybe all the coming changes proposed in the White Paper will start to even up availability of treatments, when the GP consortia hold the cheque book in future.
The problem with the poo test I believe is that they are looking for blood in the stools....not very helpful if you suffer from a split fissure or even piles.
Costs for the virtual colonoscopy are continuing to come down. Computer costs have tumbled. Less staff are used for this than for sigmoidoscopy using a camera.
You could remove many of these camera centres which run into £mns every year.
Then there is the reduced costs of scale. Probably they thought ordinary X-rays were expensive when they were first brought in but are now commonplace, the same would happen with virtual colonoscopy which are just glorified X-ray machines but take many more pictures.
As for having no pain with the camera, a relative of mine had it done and they could not insert it even into the bowel because of the pain. A feeling of bloatiness with VC is normal and if it caused you distress you may be one of the squeamish who reacts to some medical procedures.
I had another relative who went through this procedure who recommended VC.
Costs for the virtual colonoscopy are continuing to come down. Computer costs have tumbled. Less staff are used for this than for sigmoidoscopy using a camera.
You could remove many of these camera centres which run into £mns every year.
Then there is the reduced costs of scale. Probably they thought ordinary X-rays were expensive when they were first brought in but are now commonplace, the same would happen with virtual colonoscopy which are just glorified X-ray machines but take many more pictures.
As for having no pain with the camera, a relative of mine had it done and they could not insert it even into the bowel because of the pain. A feeling of bloatiness with VC is normal and if it caused you distress you may be one of the squeamish who reacts to some medical procedures.
I had another relative who went through this procedure who recommended VC.
no, not squeamishness (I was fine with the sigmoidoscopy). I've no doubt it's normal, and it's perfectly possible that different people react in different way, but I just found it very physically uncomfortable being blown up like a balloon. Presumably because it was only gas it doesn't count as 'invasive', but it sure felt invasive to me. If there's an alternative I wouldn't personally recommend VC.
Yes I do understand what you mean boxtops and I'm sorry i snapped .
But these poo tests seem to be a waste of resources to me .
My husband had his come back all clear last August and next Monday he's having a large part of his colon removed and a permanent stoma because he has bowel cancer .He's already had all the ostomies,ologies and scans that man ever invented .
I read somewhere that these tests cannot detect cancer only blood in the stool which could mean anything and people have to undergo further tests only to find they have nothing wrong with them .
So ....people ...just because it comes back clear don't be complacent and look for other signs as well .
But these poo tests seem to be a waste of resources to me .
My husband had his come back all clear last August and next Monday he's having a large part of his colon removed and a permanent stoma because he has bowel cancer .He's already had all the ostomies,ologies and scans that man ever invented .
I read somewhere that these tests cannot detect cancer only blood in the stool which could mean anything and people have to undergo further tests only to find they have nothing wrong with them .
So ....people ...just because it comes back clear don't be complacent and look for other signs as well .
My husband got his in the post months ago! he refused to even look at it! he thinks it's a waste of time!..........I haven't received mine as yet!..........not sure it's worth the humiiation either!......I feel fine, when I don't, then I'll go see the doc!........Try to avoid the surgery!.........Full of sick people!.........Don't want to be there if I can help it!......
I feel that they must have gone into this in a big way, they must have gone through every aspect to find the way that will give the most satisfactory results.
So what if tests may cause a bit of pain, a few minutes pain is NOTHING to the possibility that your life could be saved.
Believe me I know what I'm talking about having had Bowel cancer and being brought back from the brink by these magnificent people.
Sqad, I'm surprised at you poo-pooing the idea. (sorry about the pun)
jem
So what if tests may cause a bit of pain, a few minutes pain is NOTHING to the possibility that your life could be saved.
Believe me I know what I'm talking about having had Bowel cancer and being brought back from the brink by these magnificent people.
Sqad, I'm surprised at you poo-pooing the idea. (sorry about the pun)
jem
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