Patients undergoing a colonoscopy want the procedure done sooner and they’d also like more choice about which bowel preparation they endure, a survey shows.

Overall, six out of 10 patients waited more than the WHO-recommended 30 days from referral before undergoing the colonoscopy, according to a Bowel Cancer Australia survey of around 1500 patients.

Nine out of 10 said a wait time of less than a month was preferred, yet those having their colonoscopy through the public system waited, on average, two-and-a-half months.

Bowel Cancer Australia has released the first results of its patient experience survey, covering five key aspects of the procedure including: referral and screening; first appointment; preparation and colonoscopy; post-procedure; and communicating results.