Gastroenterology
Advice Articles

Gut Instinct: Understanding and Preventing Bowel Cancer
3/3/2025
Many medical conditions affect the gastrointestinal or digestive system. Some are treatable, while medication and lifestyle changes can help manage others. The information below will help you better understand the treatments and procedures offered by LivingCare across our locations in Leeds and Sheffield.
Gastroenterology is the medical field that diagnoses, treats, and manages digestive system conditions: a network of organs that includes the oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and intestines.
This is how your body processes food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste: and as such, the digestive system is fundamental to your wellbeing. There are many reasons to see a gastroenterologist – perhaps most significantly, bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK, with over 120 cases1 diagnosed each day.
From routine screening to complex investigations, we deliver expert care across our Leeds and Sheffield locations, ensuring swift access to answers and treatment for your digestive health concerns. Our gastroenterologists have extensive training in internal medicine and digestive system disorders. They combine medical expertise with advanced diagnostic techniques to detect conditions ranging from everyday issues like acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome to serious diseases such as inflammatory bowel conditions and cancers of the digestive tract.
LivingCare's specialist gastroenterology team combines extensive experience with cutting-edge technology, including the advanced Olympus EVIS X1 endoscopy system, to deliver accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
Our investment in cutting-edge technology, including high-definition imaging systems and the latest endoscopic equipment, means you benefit from:
Early detection is important. Bowel cancer, for instance, is the third most common cancer in the UK; early diagnosis means that one-year survival rates can be as high as 98%2.
We offer same-day appointments and rapid access to procedures. You don't have to wait weeks for answers concerning symptoms.
Your journey with LivingCare's gastroenterology team begins with a comprehensive consultation where we'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and concerns. If you need a referral for private medical insurance, our private GP service can provide this efficiently – there's no need to return to your NHS GP for paperwork that could delay your care.
Common reasons patients visit our gastroenterology specialists include:
A gastroscopy examines your oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a thin, flexible camera. This procedure is essential for diagnosing conditions such as:
A colonoscopy provides comprehensive bowel screening and diagnostic capabilities. This procedure can detect:
Sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum and lower bowel, making it ideal for investigating:
Our comprehensive endoscopy capabilities extend across both upper and lower digestive tract examinations, utilising state-of-the-art equipment to ensure:
LivingCare offers a range of Bowel Screening procedures tailored to your needs, detecting early signs of conditions such as bowel cancer and polyps.
Don't let digestive concerns impact your quality of life. Our expert gastroenterologists are ready to provide the answers and treatment you need, whether your local to Leeds and Sheffield or based in London, LivingCare is able to help.
“Had a phone call yesterday about an appointment for today, for an endoscopy; all staff were absolutely lovely, everything was explained properly and were really reassuring during the procedure. I would say the worst part was having the numbing...”
lauren tuohy
01
July 2025
Each procedure will have a varying preparation guide but this will be provided to you prior to the appointment. There will be clear instructions to follow in the lead up, but our team is on hand for any queries you may have.
Persistent heartburn, abdominal pain, altered bowel habit, bleeding or unexplained anaemia are key reasons to seek expert review.
We're always on hand, so get in touch and we'll get back to you straight away.
Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry. Let us know your preferred appointment type, either virtual or face to face, and we will work to find a time that suits you.
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time, either virtually or in person, with one of our highly qualified consultants. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
Explore the various options available for this treatment.
With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists - consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.
3/3/2025