Information for the public

Surveillance of the large bowel

Surveillance of the large bowel

Some people with conditions affecting the large bowel (also called the colon) are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than other people in the general population and should be offered surveillance. These conditions include:

  • ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease of the large bowel that started at least 10 years ago. These types of inflammatory bowel disease cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the large bowel

  • fleshy growths (polyps or adenomas) in the lining of the large bowel.

Surveillance involves regular checks to detect any pre-cancerous changes in the cells of the large bowel (called dysplasia). If dysplasia is found, early treatment can stop it progressing to colorectal cancer. These checks can also pick up early signs of cancer, before the person has any symptoms. This is important because colorectal cancer can be treated successfully if found early enough.

Surveillance of the large bowel is not the same as the NHS bowel cancer screening programme, which is offered to all men and women aged 60–74 in England and Wales. The NHS bowel cancer screening programme involves testing stool samples to see if there is any blood, which could be a sign of bowel cancer. It does not diagnose bowel cancer but shows whether the person needs further tests.

Questions you might like to ask your healthcare team

  • Can you tell me more about the link between inflammatory bowel disease or polyps and colorectal cancer?

  • What is my risk of developing colorectal cancer?

  • Are there any support organisations in my local area?

  • Can you provide any information for my family?

Questions you might like to ask your healthcare team

  • Can you tell me more about the link between inflammatory bowel disease or polyps and colorectal cancer?

  • What is my risk of developing colorectal cancer?

  • Are there any support organisations in my local area?

  • Can you provide any information for my family?

  • Information Standard