Screening tests
Ramsay offer a range of screening tests:
Bowel screening
Detecting bowel cancer early can give you a better chance of
survival. One of the easiest ways to look for any abnormality is by
examining a stool sample for blood. But Ramsay hospitals can also
offer a number of other tests. A colonoscopy is particularly
suitable for people with a family history of colorectal cancer who
fear they may also be at risk. It involves a long, flexible tube
with a camera on the end being inserted into your back passage.
This enables the inside of the rectum and colon to be seen and any
abnormalities spotted. If polyps are seen they can be cut away and
sent for examination.
A CT or virtual colonoscopy is performed using a CT scanner to
create an accurate picture of the inside and outside of the bowel.
This is less invasive but if suspected abnormalities are seen, the
patient may need further interventions to establish what they
are.
Breast screening
Mammograms can provide your doctors with important
information about your breasts and can pinpoint any changes in the
breast tissue - often before you would notice any changes yourself.
They are a detailed Xray picture of your breasts which will show up
both cancers and deposits of calcium which can be an early
indicator of breast cancer developing.
Mammograms are not very painful and only take a few minutes.
Many women, especially those with a family history of breast
cancer, have regular mammograms to spot any early changes in the
breast tissue.
Cervical cancer screening
This involves taking a few cells from your cervix and then
examining them to see if there are any pre-cancerous changes; it is
also known as a smear test. If abnormalities are found, it
does not mean you have cancer but your doctor may suggest treatment
to remove them or, in some cases, more regular screening to check
for further changes. Although many women find the screening
procedure uncomfortable, it is an excellent way of identifying
abnormalities which might go on to become cancer if left untreated.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent as many as 75 per cent of
these cancers developing.
Contact us
Ramsay hospitals offers a range of screening and diagnostic
procedures at a time convenient to you, and also offers treatment
for some of the most common types of cancer. We offer the support
of multi-disciplinary teams who will be working together to ensure
you get the care which is right for you.
If you would like to discuss possible tests or treatment contact
us.