General Tests and Physical Examination for Bowel Cancer

General tests and physical examination can be the first steps when bowel cancer symptoms are being investigated. These checks help doctors understand symptoms, look for possible causes and decide whether further tests are needed.

This article is for general information only. If you have symptoms such as blood in the stool or persistent bowel changes, speak with a doctor for personal medical advice.

Medical History

Your doctor may ask about bowel habits, bleeding, abdominal pain, weight changes, tiredness, appetite, medicines, previous illness and family history of bowel cancer or polyps.

Try to describe symptoms clearly. It can help to write down when symptoms started, how often they happen and whether they are getting worse.

Physical Examination

A physical examination may include checking the abdomen for tenderness, swelling or lumps. Your doctor may also check general signs such as weight, colour, hydration and overall wellbeing.

Depending on symptoms, the doctor may recommend a rectal examination.

Rectal Examination

A rectal examination allows the doctor to feel inside the lower rectum with a gloved finger. It may help check for bleeding, lumps, pain or other changes.

This examination can feel embarrassing, but it is a common medical test and can provide useful information.

Blood and Stool Tests

General assessment may also include blood tests and stool tests. Blood tests can check for anaemia and general health. Stool tests may look for hidden blood.

For related information, read our Blood Tests for Bowel Cancer and Immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test articles.

When Further Tests Are Needed

If symptoms or initial test results need more investigation, your doctor may refer you for colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, scans or specialist review.

For a broader overview of bowel cancer testing, visit our Tests to Find Cancer in the Bowel guide.