Bowel cancer expert in Wauchope

He stressed the importance of early diagnosis in treatment and cure of the second most prevalent cancer in Australia.

Dr Kostalas emphasised the importance of patient participation in national bowel screening initiatives and for those patients at higher risk – from either family history predisposing, or for other underlying reasons, then surveillance is done through colonoscopy.

During his visit last month, Dr Kostalas presented many case examples of great outcomes from early detection and careful delineation of the patient’s needs.

He said it was great to be joined by the current junior medical officer from Wauchope Hospital, Dr Julie Magpoc, along with Dr Oliveira, Dr Snitkovski and Dr Kristoffersen from Campbell Street Surgery.

Also in attendance was Dr Moye, who was in his last week at Hastings Medical Centre, being replaced by Dr Omar Sali.

Dr Trinidad commented: “It is spectacular where we are at with colonoscopy and what we are able to do when given the opportunity at an early enough stage of the disease process.

“There has got to be public uptake on this. Give us a chance to be able to get them better, prior to it being too late. Dr Kostalas spoke about some really amazing breakthroughs.”

Dr Omar Sali found it surprising how benign-looking, flat lesions could actually be malignant when looked at closely.