Skip to main content
Close
Main Menu

The Importance Of Bowel Cancer Screening

THE IMPORTANCE OF BOWEL CANCER SCREENING.JPG

Bowel cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine, or bowel) grow abnormally and form a lump or tumour.

Bowel cancer often starts as small, non-cancerous polyps that form on the walls of the large intestine (bowel). Over time, some of these polyps may become cancerous. If they do, the cells can spread to the lymph nodes and through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, most commonly the liver and the lungs. 

Three main symptoms include:

  • Blood in your bowel motions – this may look like red blood or black bowel motions.
  • A change in bowel habits that continues for several weeks, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.
  • General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating or cramps) that can be confused with indigestion.

DIAGNOSING BOWEL CANCER

If you experience any of the above symptoms or you have a family history of bowel cancer see your doctor. Annual bowel cancer screening is recommended for both men and women aged 50 and over, even if you have no symptoms.

Life Pharmacies now offer BowelScreen Aotearoa – a bowel cancer awareness, education and screening programme which involves a clinically proven, sensitive and reliable test. The aim of screening is to find any polyps or to find cancer early when it is easier to treat and cure. For more information, speak with your local Life Pharmacist.

Related Articles

Good Gut Health Practices To Boost Your Immunity This Winter

During the cooler months, it’s important to consume foods that enhance the immune system and support the immune defences against ills and chills. Here’s how maintaining a healthy gut can help keep you feeling vital this season.

Probiotic power

The term ‘probiotic’ describes the families of ‘good’ microorganisms (bacteria). These resident bacteria are established from birth and play a huge role in bowel health and overall wellbeing

THE IMPORTANCE OF BOWEL CANCER SCREENING

Bowel cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine, or bowel) grow abnormally and form a lump or tumour.

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH DIARRHOEA?

Diarrhoea is usually more disruptive than dangerous, and in most cases will clear up by itself within a few days.

SHOP LIFE PHARMACY ONLINE

Life Pharmacy is proudly New Zealand owned and operated. We have everything from fragrance to first aid, make up to medicines, skin care to sun care, test kits to tanning products. Life pharmacy online brings your pharmacy to you.

Shop NZ customer favourites such The Ordinary, Antipodes, Trilogy and keep your health and wellbeing on-track with Go Healthy, BePure, Livon, Optifast and Otrivin. Don’t forget to shop our top beauty brands including Clinique, Estee Lauder, Benefit, Elizabeth Arden, Clarins and Shiseido.

Looking for in-store pharmacy services like passport photos, ear piercing or the morning after pill? Find information here about Life Pharmacy in-store services and then use our handy pharmacy finder to find a Life Pharmacy near you.


Promotions, product range and prices may differ between Life Pharmacy online and Life Pharmacy stores.
Copyright © 2021 Life Pharmacy Ltd. All Rights Reserved.