Bowel cancer
Bupa-approved bowel cancer units
About one in 18 people in the UK will develop cancer in their large bowel or rectum (known as colorectal cancer) at some point in their lives. Cancer of the small bowel - the longer, thinner part of the intestines - is much rarer.
Early diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer are crucial. In general, the earlier bowel cancer is detected, the less likely it is that it has spread and the more likely it is to be cured.
For more information about bowel cancer visit the Bupa health factsheet
What is a Bupa-approved bowel cancer unit?
To gain approved status, hospitals are assessed individually and must fulfil certain standards set by Bupa. These standards have been developed by a dedicated Bupa team working with recognised professionals in cancer care. Because of this, the standards are based on best practice standards and guidelines used by professional bodies involved in cancer care and the NHS.
Recently Bupa has revisited and improved its original assessment standards for assessing Bupa-approved bowel cancer units to take account of medical and technological advances and all units have undergone a re-accreditation process. All providers had to show they have continually developed and improved their services to provide the most appropriate care to Bupa members. They were asked to meet a set of rigorous, up to date clinical and service standards covering: patient information, the bowel cancer team, diagnosis, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapyand follow-up care.
How can I be referred to a Bupa-approved bowel cancer unit?
Referral is normally made by your GP or by a hospital doctor.
- If your GP suspects cancer, he or she may refer you directly to a doctor practising in a Bupa-approved bowel cancer unit.
- Alternatively, your GP may refer you to a hospital doctor for further investigation. He or she may then subsequently suspect or confirm the presence of cancer. If that doctor is not a cancer specialist, he or she may then refer you to somebody who practises in a Bupa-approved bowel cancer unit.