Colonoscopy confidence – your common sense bowel check

Bowel Cancer UK know some people feel anxious or worried when they’re told they need a colonoscopy but it’s important to have this test if you’re referred.

That’s why Bowel Cancer UK have launched the Colonoscopy Confidence campaign to explain what a colonoscopy is, why it matters and encourage people to attend their appointment.

If you’ve been asked by your doctor to have a colonoscopy it’s because they suspect something isn’t quite right about your bowel or colon, and they’d like a specialist to take a closer look. The procedure involves an endoscopist putting a thin flexible tube with a camera on the end up your bottom so they can see the inside of your bowel.

Colonoscopy is a very common procedure - thousands of colonoscopies are carried out across the UK every week. They give endoscopists a close-up view of the inside of your bowel so they can clearly see if there’s anything wrong. A colonoscopy can feel a little uncomfortable, but it’s an important part of maintaining good all-round health.

Most people who have a colonoscopy won’t have bowel cancer. But, if bowel cancer is detected at its earliest stage nearly everybody is treated successfully.

That’s why if you have an appointment for a colonoscopy, it is really important that you attend – let’s keep your bowel in good health.

For more information visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/colonoscopyconfidence