Whether you've had a positive FIT test, are experiencing symptoms, or have a family history of bowel cancer — expert assessment is available quickly, locally, and without a GP referral.
Your situation
A positive result means blood has been detected in your stool. It doesn't mean you have cancer — but it does mean you need a colonoscopy promptly to find out why.
What happens nextA change in bowel habit, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or persistent abdominal pain all warrant assessment by a specialist — not reassurance from a search engine.
Understand your symptomsA first-degree relative with bowel cancer significantly increases your lifetime risk. You may be eligible for surveillance colonoscopy before NHS screening age.
Understand your riskMost people assessed by a bowel cancer specialist do not have cancer. Early investigation brings certainty — and when cancer is found early, it is highly treatable.
First: don't panic. A positive FIT test result means blood has been detected in your stool sample above a certain threshold. The most common causes are entirely benign — haemorrhoids, polyps, or minor bowel irritation. However, a positive result always requires a colonoscopy to determine the source.
The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) detects tiny amounts of haemoglobin in the stool. It is the primary tool in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and is increasingly used in symptomatic patients. It is sensitive — designed to catch as many potential problems as possible — which means a significant proportion of positive results do not lead to a cancer diagnosis.
Of every 100 people with a positive FIT result who go on to have a colonoscopy:
Figures are approximate and vary by FIT level and age. Based on NHS screening programme data.
NHS guidelines recommend colonoscopy within two weeks of a high-level positive FIT result. In practice, NHS waiting times for colonoscopy have extended significantly post-pandemic. Private colonoscopy with Mr Papettas is typically available within days — not weeks — with results discussed on the day.
A thin flexible camera is passed through the entire large bowel under sedation. The procedure takes 20–45 minutes. Any polyps found are removed at the same sitting. Biopsies are taken from any suspicious areas. You will have a full discussion of findings on the day and a written report within days.
Do not assume your positive FIT result is being followed up by the NHS without checking. Patients are sometimes lost to follow-up. If you've received a positive result and have not been contacted for colonoscopy within 4 weeks, seek private assessment.
Bowel cancer symptoms are often vague, intermittent, and easily attributed to other causes — which is why they are frequently dismissed for months before investigation. The following symptoms, particularly in adults over 45, warrant prompt specialist assessment.
Important perspective: the majority of people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer. Haemorrhoids, IBS, diverticular disease, and other benign conditions are far more common causes. But the only way to achieve certainty is investigation — and certainty is what most patients need.
Seek same-day or next-day assessment if symptoms are accompanied by significant bleeding, faintness, severe abdominal pain, or inability to open the bowels. These may indicate a surgical emergency requiring urgent intervention.
Around 20–30% of bowel cancers have a hereditary component. Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with bowel cancer increases your lifetime risk approximately two-fold compared to the general population. The risk increases further with multiple affected relatives or early-age diagnosis in the family.
| Family history | Lifetime risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| General population | ~1 in 20 | NHS screening from age 50 |
| One first-degree relative, diagnosed over 60 | ~1 in 12 | Colonoscopy from age 50, or 10 years before relative's age at diagnosis |
| One first-degree relative, diagnosed under 60 | ~1 in 10 | Colonoscopy from age 40–50 |
| Two or more first-degree relatives | ~1 in 6 | Colonoscopy from age 35–40; consider genetic referral |
| Known HNPCC / Lynch syndrome | Up to 1 in 2 | Annual colonoscopy; specialist genetic management |
| Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) | Near 100% if untreated | Prophylactic surgery; specialist genetic management |
Mr Papettas offers comprehensive family history risk assessment in consultation, with access to genetic counselling and a structured surveillance colonoscopy programme for those at elevated risk. You do not need a GP referral to be seen.
For those outside NHS screening age, with a strong family history, or seeking earlier reassurance, a structured private screening consultation includes risk assessment, FIT testing, and direct access to colonoscopy where indicated — all without waiting.
Arrange a screening consultationAudited outcomes
What to expect
A focused consultation to take a full history, examine you, and determine the most appropriate investigation. No GP letter required. Self-referral accepted. Typically available within 3–5 days.
Most patients with a positive FIT test or red flag symptoms are offered colonoscopy within days of their consultation. The procedure is performed under sedation at Nuffield Health Warwickshire. Results are discussed on the day.
Endoscopic findings are discussed with you immediately after the procedure. Any biopsies taken are reported within 5–7 working days. A follow-up letter is sent to your GP and to you.
If cancer or significant pathology is found, a comprehensive management plan is developed — including staging scans, MDT discussion, and surgical or oncological treatment as appropriate. Mr Papettas coordinates your care throughout.
95% of bowel resections are performed by keyhole method. Your surgery is performed by Mr Papettas as first surgeon — not delegated. Post-operative follow-up continues under his personal care at Nuffield Health Warwickshire.
Self-referrals are welcome. No GP letter required. Appointments available rapidly at Nuffield Health Warwickshire, Leamington Spa.