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Guidance

Bowel cancer screening: guidelines for colonoscopy

This guidance sets out the process for Endoscopy in the NHS bowel cancer screening programme.

Updates to this page

From:
NHS England
Published:
1 February 2011
Last updated:
11 July 2025
Show all updates

  1. Addendum to BSG anticoagulation guidance issued 3 June 2024 relating to patients with a history of prior coronary stents who must either be switched to aspirin (provided there are no contraindications) or discussed with an interventional cardiology consultant first. Clarity on the requirement for consent for the removal of large and or complex polyps including confirmation that if consent is not obtained prior to the index procedure and any additional risks clearly discussed with the patient they should be booked for another procedure and appropriate consent obtained. Management of Complex/Advanced Polypectomy Use of a non-accredited colonoscopist on a screening list must only be done in exceptional circumstances Use of insourced colonoscopists and the requirement for screening colonoscopists to have a responsible clinical director particularly when working across multiple services.

  2. Added clarification that publication was previously published by Public Health England.

  3. Added accessible version of PDF, renamed 'Bowel cancer screening: guidelines for colonoscopy'.

  4. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Bowel Cancer Screening: Guidelines for Endoscopy

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Details

This guidance sets out the process for Endoscoopy in the NHS bowel cancer screening programme and was updated in July 2025

It includes information about:

  • patients unfit for endoscopy
  • consent
  • quality standards
  • removal of polyps
  • governance and risk management

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