Variation in Bowel Cancer Checks in GP Clinics

Variation in Bowel Cancer Checks in GP Clinics

29 Apr 2026

Researchers say that while some variation in care is normal, inconsistent testing—especially for vague symptoms—may mean some cancer cases are being missed or diagnosed later than they should be.

The study looked at more than 70,000 patients aged 40 and over who visited GPs between 2008 and 2022 with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, rectal bleeding, or changes in bowel habits.

Abdominal pain and diarrhoea were the most common reasons for visits. In many cases, no tests or treatment were done, especially for constipation and diarrhoea.

More serious investigation, such as colonoscopy or referral to a specialist, was more common when patients had rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.

Out of all patients studied, only a small number—around 0.5%—were diagnosed with bowel cancer within 12 months. Anaemia and rectal bleeding were the strongest warning signs linked to cancer.

Researchers noted that some important test results, especially low iron or anaemia, were not always followed up, which may be a concern.

However, RACGP cancer expert Associate Professor Joel Rhee said the results need careful interpretation. He explained that the study does not include full clinical details, such as how long symptoms lasted or whether patients already had previous tests.

He said this makes it difficult to judge whether doctors are over-testing, under-testing, or making appropriate decisions based on individual cases.

He also pointed out that most bowel symptoms seen in general practice are not cancer, even when they are taken seriously.

The study did find that patients in disadvantaged or rural areas were less likely to receive specialist referrals, which researchers say needs further investigation.

Older and younger patients were also less likely to be fully investigated compared to those aged 50–79.

Experts say better systems, clearer diagnostic pathways, and improved access to specialist testing could help support earlier diagnosis in the future, while still avoiding unnecessary procedures.

https://www1.racgp.org.au/

 
Source: British Journal of General Practice / Australian research study reported via RACGP newsGP
 

 

 

Categories

Popular Posts

Recent Posts

Tags