Why do the screening?
The aim is to detect any cancer at an early stage when treatment will be effective.
It is important also for early detection of polyps which can turn cancerous.
1 in 20 people get bowel cancer during their lifetime
It is the 3rd most common cancer in the UK
Regular screening reduces the risk of dying from Bowel cancer by 16%
What age will I be invited for screening?
Currently it is 60-74 year olds but that may be about to change to the lower age of 50
How am I screened?
You will be sent a home test kit every 2 years until 74 years old.
The kit has detailed instructions, which come with it and involves collecting a sample of your bowel motion and then wiping the sample on a special card which gets sent off for analysis.
If you want to continue after this age then you can request a kit by calling 0800 707 6060
The screening test detects tiny amounts of blood in the faeces.
As polyps and bowel cancers sometimes bleed any blood in the faeces will need a full bowel examination to see if there is anything there that needs treatment.
This would require a colonoscopy.
A normal sample does not always mean you do not have or will never develop bowel cancer.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer.
What happens if I have an Abnormal result?
The test may be repeated and then if it is still abnormal you will be offered a colonoscopy.
What is a Colonoscopy?
This test is the most effective way to diagnose bowel cancer.
It involves a camera on a flexible tube going up your back passage to look for any abnormalities.
If polyps are found they can be treated immediately by being removed painlessly.
Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
Most common symptoms are
1. A persistent change in bowel habit especially going to the toilet more often and diarrhea for several weeks.
2. Bleeding from the back passage
3. Abdominal pain especially if severe
4. A lump in your abdomen
If you have one or more of these symptoms lasting 4-6 weeks then consult your GP
If Bowel cancer is detected early there is a 90% chance of survival