Colon Health Check
30 minutes | £1,069
Check for early signs of bowel cancer with a Colon CT scan and GP consultation. No insurance needed. Book online or on 0333 355 8064^
What is a colon cancer screening?
A Colon Health Check is a screening designed to find early signs of bowel or colon cancer. Screenings can detect changes before symptoms develop, which means any problems can be treated sooner and more effectively.
It’s a pay-as-you-go service, so you don’t need Bupa insurance to book. Our Colon Health Check uses a CT scan of your bowel, also known as a virtual colonoscopy, to look for growths called polyps or other abnormalities that may need further attention.
What to expect at a Colon Health Check
Appointment overview
30 minutes | £1,069 | Age 45+
Or £106.90 a month for 10 months with 0% finance
Before your appointment, we’ll send you a questionnaire to complete. During your appointment, the GP will review this with you and talk through any concerns about your bowel health.
Most people booking this service will go on to have a Colon CT scan, but your GP will first check that it's the right option for you.
If the GP recommends a scan, it'll take place at another medical facility. You'll receive information about the next steps and how to prepare.
Colon Health screening tests
Colon CT scan
A colon CT scan looks inside your large bowel. It uses CT imaging to create detailed pictures of your colon. Unlike a traditional colonoscopy, no camera is inserted, which can make the process more comfortable.
The scan usually takes around 15 minutes. During the scan, you will lie on a table while a CT scanner captures images of your colon. Some air or carbon dioxide may be gently introduced into the bowel to give a clear view.
Before the scan, you'll need to take bowel preparation. We'll explain how to do this and give you instructions in advance.
After your appointment
After your appointment, we'll share your results and let you know if any follow-up is recommended. If your examination or test results show that further investigation may be helpful, the GP can arrange a private referral. Or, with your consent, they can write to your NHS GP recommending an NHS referral.
Is a Colon Health Check right for me?
If you’ve noticed something that isn’t normal for you, see your GP or book a private GP appointment as soon as possible.
You should book a Colon Health Check if you:
- Are over the age of 45
- Have no current symptoms, but would like peace of mind
- Have a family history of cancer
- Want regular check-ups to stay healthy
Book a GP appointment instead if you have:
- Blood in your poo
- Change in your bowel habits for more than three weeks (for example, the frequency you go or the consistency of the stool)
- Lower abdominal pain – including bloating and discomfort
How accurate are cancer screening tests?
Cancer screening can help identify signs of cancer early, but no test is 100% accurate. Sometimes a screening result may suggest further tests are needed when no cancer is found. In some cases, a screening result can also appear normal when cancer is present.
If you develop any new symptoms after your screening, it's important to speak to a doctor.
Do I need to have Bupa health insurance to get a Colon Health Check?
No, you do not need Bupa insurance to book a Colon Health Check. You can book this as a pay-as-you-go service.
This service is only available at our Bupa health centres, so you’ll need to be able to travel there.
If a scan isn’t recommended, will I get a refund?
If our clinician decides that a colon CT scan isn’t right for you after your initial consultation, you won’t be charged for the scan.
Any payment you have already made for the scan will be refunded in line with Bupa’s refund policy.
You will still be charged for your consultation and any other tests you’ve had. We’ll always explain any costs before you agree to further tests or scans.
How is a Colon CT scan different from a bowel cancer stool test?
A bowel cancer stool test checks for tiny traces of blood in your poo, which can be a sign of bowel cancer or other conditions.
A Colon CT scan lets us look inside your bowel for polyps, growths and other changes that may need further investigation. This means it can identify some changes that a stool test may not detect.
The two tests work in different ways and tell us different things about your bowel health. If you'd prefer a bowel cancer stool test, you can add one to a Targeted Cancer Screening.
Looking for a broader cancer screening?
If you'd like screening for other cancers, Targeted Cancer Screening may include checks for breast, cervical, prostate or testicular cancer, depending on what's relevant to you.
Book a Targeted Cancer Screening More on Targeted Cancer Screening
Cancer support and services
Learn about cancer, find support and explore the services available to you.
Learn more about bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors and when to seek advice.
Colon CT scan
Learn more about the Computerised Tomography (CT) scan and what happens during the test.
All cancer screening options
Learn about our screening options for people without symptoms.
What’s next?
Spread the cost
With our payment options, you can book some appointments and spread the cost with 0% finance.
Apply for 0% finance^ We may record or monitor our phone calls. Lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm.
Bupa health assessments are provided by Bupa Occupational Health Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 631336. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London EC2R 7HJ.
