Checking for Rectal Masses - Recent Cases of Delayed Bowel Cancer Diagnosis 1 Aug 2018

The surgical team at Whakatāne Hospital have made us aware that over the last few weeks there have been two cases where patients have had palpable rectal masses which have not been documented in the colonoscopy referral.

The surgical team at Whakatāne Hospital have made us aware that over the last few weeks there have been two cases where patients have had palpable rectal masses which have not been documented in the colonoscopy referral.

This led to significant delay in the diagnosis of bowel cancer.

It is vitally important that patients have rectal examination prior to referral. If an abnormal rectal mass is palpable, the patient will be seen on a very rapid basis.

Many thanks on behalf of the surgical department at Whakatāne.