Understanding Bowel Cancer: Key Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment Insights with Dr Carolyn Bariol
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Australia, yet many people remain unaware of [...]
Established in 1990, our clinic was one of the first endoscopy units in NSW. Our specialist gastroenterologists, nursing staff and support team pride ourselves on providing our patients with a world-class service in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.
Each year, we provide accurate diagnostic services for over 8,000 patients and perform almost 12,000 procedures. Our aim is to deliver a service of excellence with high clinical standards and quick access, with reports returned to your GP in a timely manner allowing you to learn the results.
At the Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre, we are devoted entirely to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, providing specialist endoscopy (or gastroscopy) and colonoscopy services, commonly known as scopes.
This allows our physician to examine the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum and colon with a soft flexible tube while our patient sleeps comfortably. Our doctors have expertise in the diagnosis of all disorders of the bowel, colon and gastrointestinal tract.
Open Access means that the majority of our patients can book in for treatment without having a prior consultation with the Gastroenterologist, negating the need for additional time and fees. There are some exceptions for Open Access, generally based around necessary pre-procedure tests that may be necessary or for those patients who have serious conditions or other co-morbidities. In these instances, our staff will advise you to see the doctor prior to treatment to ensure your care is specifically managed.
If you are unsure if you will need a pre-procedure consultation, please contact us on (02) 8382 6622 and our staff will discuss your personal history.
Diagnosis for all conditions of the bowel, colon and intestinal tract including colorectal disease, bowel cancer, IBS, diverticular disease, coeliac disease, reflux.
Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures including gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
At Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre we use state of the art endoscopic equipment and adhere to and maintain the strictest infection control standards.
Our doctors are experts in the areas of diagnostic and therapeutic gastroenterology and regularly perform colonoscopy and gastroscopy.
Our doctors are highly skilled Gastroenterologists, renowned as experts in their specialty, with a focus on continual research and development to provide better patient outcomes.
Supporting our doctors are dedicated sedation and anaesthetic staff, credentialed nursing staff and certified cleaning technicians.
The Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre has a long standing relationship with St Vincent’s. As an accredited Day Hospital located within St Vincent’s, we are able to provide a comprehensive range of support services such as pathology and radiology. The DEC has ready access to other specialist medical services and doctors as well as in-hospital bed availability when required.
To book an appointment with one of our specialists or arrange for a procedure through our open access clinic, please call our staff on (02) 8382 6622.
At the Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre, our sole focus is on providing our patients and their referrers with a rapid access centre of excellence for diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.
Our gastroenterologists are recognised experts in their field and have been providing specialist services to the community since 1990.
Supporting our doctors are our dedicated team of nurses and technicians, working together to deliver a trusted and efficient service to our patients, our GP referrers and tertiary referrers. Our services include gastroscopy, colonoscopy, oesophageal dilation, HALO radio frequency ablation, insertion of oesophageal stents, argon plasma coagulation, haemorrhoid banding, percutaneous endoscopy gastroscopy placement (PEG).
Our centre’s goal is to provide our patients with timely access, coupled with a holistic care model and treat them with respect and compassion. We continually strive to improve on our service and conduct regular patient surveys and provide ongoing staff training to ensure we deliver on our promise.
Since 2018, Bowel Cancer Australia has advocated for screening from age 45 given the rising rate of bowel cancer in people under age 50. On 1 July 2024 the charity welcomed another milestone in its 6-year campaign, with the lowering of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) age from 50 to 45.
An additional 1.6 million Australians aged 45-49 are now eligible to request their first bowel cancer screening test by opting in to get the test mailed to them, with their next screening test to automatically be mailed every 2 years after the last screening test has been completed.
Australians diagnosed through the National Bowel Cancer Screening are 59% less likely to die from bowel cancer.
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The updated clinical practice guidelines endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in October 2023, recommend people aged 40-44 (previously 45-49) are able to request screening via their healthcare professional prior to receiving their first NBCSP invitation.
The updated guidelines also recommend people aged 75-85 who are fit, well and healthy and request screening from their healthcare professional.