Colonoscopy

Do I need one?

Colonoscopy saves lives!  Studies clearly show that colonoscopy is the most effective screening test used in medicine to reduce burden of disease and to save lives.  The great strength of colonoscopy is that it prevents cancer by allowing removal of the polyps that cause bowel cancer, and also allows your doctor to predict your future risk as well.  

Proactive screening colonoscopies

A screening colonoscopy at the age of 45 (or over) is one of the best investments the average person can make in their future health, along with stopping smoking, moderating alcohol and getting regular exercise.

Colonoscopy is the best screening test for colorectal cancer, but for a public healthcare system - such as New Zealand’s - it is too expensive and resource intensive to be offered to all, and is instead offered to only those individuals who have a predicted risk of colorectal cancer at least twice that of the average. For those who can afford it, or who have healthcare insurance that covers it, a colonoscopy is the best way to prevent the development of cancer because polyps are removed before they can grow into cancer.

For the best standard of care, choose an Advanced Endoscopist for your colonoscopy.

Are you concerned about symptoms you have?

Maybe you already have symptoms or changes in your body that are worrying you. Symptoms to be aware of include:

• A change in bowel habit lasting longer than 4-6 weeks

• Bleeding from you bottom (rectum) or blood in your poo

• A feeling of not being able to empty your rectum

• Losing weight (unintentionally)

• A lower than normal level of red blood cells (anaemia)

During your consultation with Dr Cameron, he will investigate your symptoms in greater detail to see whether they might indicate something important. Alternatively, your symptoms might be so suggestive of something important that a colonoscopy may be booked straightaway.

How do I choose the best doctor for my colonoscopy?

The Choosing Your Colonoscopist page provides further useful information to consider when selecting a specialist.

Although Gastroenterologists and some surgeons are trained in colonoscopy as they train for their speciality, an Advanced Endoscopist has trained for much longer in this area and often under the supervision of world experts. As such, if your colonoscopy is more difficult than expected or if there are significant polyp findings, then an Advanced Endoscopist is more likely to safely complete your procedure, and reduce your need for further colonoscopies or even surgery.

Choosing an Advanced Endoscopist like Dr. Cameron offers added reassurance. With his extensive experience in managing the most difficult cases in central New Zealand, Dr. Cameron can efficiently identify and address any issues, often reducing the need for multiple colonoscopies. Additionally, he ensures that polyps are removed in the best manner to minimise the likelihood of complications or need for surgery.