New study marks major advance in bowel cancer screening

thank you a very interesting article

My mum died of bowel cancer at age of 46, 17yrs ago now and although I am 40 myself later this year I am terrified of getting this cancer myself. Mum’s was undiagnosed and only detected when undergoing private health care. By time they operated, thinking it was ovarian cancer, it was too late. She died 3 weeks later. Maybe if the doctors at our local surgery had discovered it sooner, over 5month period, she would still be here today. At 35 I went to my doctors asking to be screened, as I was told you could be if it was a parent who had died. On completing various NHS forms and although there is a history of it in both sides of my family, and due to limited info known by myself as other family members have since died, I was declined stating I wasn’t considered to be at risk. It doesnt stop me worrying and anything that is available to help screen people of a younger age in the same position as me,I would welcome. Mum’s my proof that you dont have to be over 50 years of age to become a victim of this awfully cruel disease. But 17yrs on I am so greatful to the advances in medicine for Bowel cancer from cancer research and it’s re-assurring so many more people are now surviving it. I wish everyone well who has ever fought it or whoever is battling it now.

Also, do your research before agreeing to mammograms.
The Nordic Cochrane Institute were so concerned at the lack of real information getting to women that they produced, “The risks and benefits of mammograms” – it’s at their website. A rare and unbiased summary.
Sadly, we get a one-sided promotion of cancer screening tests with no risk information. Although men were fortunate enough to get risk information quickly for prostate cancer screening and doctors were reminded to get informed consent.
That has never happened in women’s cancer screening – we basically get an order to screen with no real information on the risks and actual benefits.

The other way to save money – we over-screen women for rare cervical cancer. Finland has the lowest rates of cervical cancer in the world and just as importantly sends the fewest women for colposcopy/biopsies (fewer false positives) – they offer 5 to 7 tests over your lifetime – 5 yearly from 30. (The Netherlands use the same program)
We over-screen and that greatly increases the risk of a false positive and unnecessary biopsies and treatments – all potentially harmful.
Also, we shouldn’t be screening women under 25, the evidence from the UK is clear, it doesn’t affect the tiny death rate, but causes harm through very high false positive and over-treatment rates.
We crow about having the lowest mortality rate from cervical cancer, but healthy women pay a huge price for that “success” – massive and harmful over-detection and over-treatment with our over-screening policy.
Sadly, cervical screening is very political and emotion drive, light on facts and common sense.

We could save millions and harm fewer women if we adopted the Finnish program. (they send 35%-55% of women for colposcopy/biopsies while we send 77%-78% over their lifetime – almost all are false positives)
It’s the best you’ll do with this unreliable test.

Cervical cancer only affects 1%-1.58% of women in an UN-screened, developed country.
When 99.35% don’t benefit from smears (0.35% false negatives) – that leaves 0.65% who benefit, you wonder whether this is the best use of taxpayer dollars?

We spend $133 million for the cervical screening program every year PLUS the medicare payments for unnecessary colposcopies/biopsies and caring for the women harmed by these procedures.
Women can have health issues after cone biopsies and LEEP (most are unnecessary and caused by false positives)- infertility, high risk pregnancy, more c-sections, miscarriages, premature babies and psych issues.
We could make a huge saving by diverting this money or some of this money to bowel cancer screening.
The Cancer Council of Victoria say that 600 women have been saved over 16/18 years – that’s a very small number when you factor in the massive cost and the negative impact of over-detection and over-treatment of healthy women.
I think the cervical screening campaign is a hugely expensive atomic bomb being used to kill an ant and harms large numbers along the way.
It’s a highly political program and doctors and others make a fortune from it, thus it rarely gets close analysis and any criticism is quickly silenced. Our doctors also get paid financial incentives when they reach targets for pap tests – more money! (Financial Incentives Legislation and PIP scheme) Our doctors are paid to reach targets to screen for the rarest (by miles) of the cancers we currently screen for…
We waste huge sums of money on this screening, it makes no sense when large numbers could be saved elsewhere.
I vote for more bowel screening, let’s drop the political hype and get on with saving more lives.
(My references: Articles and research by Richard DeMay, Angela Raffle, Laura Koutsky & Others at Dr Joel Sherman’s Medical Privacy forum under Womens Privacy Issues.)

I have some bowel symptoms like bloating and constipation. I want to diagnose myself but I feel shame for any test like endoscopy or Flexi-Scope, being inserted into the rectum. Is it any alternative method to diagnose polyps.

Will anything be done to help those people who become very nervous and stressed about uncomfortable invasive procedures such as this? In the past 10 years I’ve had a gastroscopy, without sedation, during which I could hardly breathe because of constant gagging. Very unpleasant and traumatic. Also I had an angiogram, during the latter stages of which I became distressed and nearly fainted on the operating table. It’s all very well to say that the colonoscopy is worth a “bit of discomfort” for the benefits, but for a significant number of people (like the 30% who declined the screening trail) it can present a huge psychological barrier. What will be done to help people like these?

I live in France where the FOBT was introduced 5 years ago. My wife and I participated in it and I was found to need an endoscopy. This revealed polyps which could easily have become cancerous and required an operation. 2 years later I had another endoscopy and some small polyps were removed. I am due for another in 6 months time. I strongly urge everyone in the at risk age groups to take these tests. Endoscopy is mildly uncomfortable but without it there is a very good chance that I would not be here today. I am very pleased to here that is now available in the UK.

Thankyou for this wonderrful news! I thank all who are involved and I think David Cameron is a blessing to us all lately his decisions have been beneficial to those who really need change in their lives and who really need a fresh, innovative and fair leader. My father and brother died from bowel cancer and it can remain undetected often until it is too late and can be a very painful way to die so the importance and value of this new breakthrough in medical research to be utilised and made accessable to us is undoubtedly huge!

God bless you to all those responsible for helping to save lives.

I have now lost 4 members of my family to cancer, three of which were bowel cancer and two of those aged 61.I have had full tests done about 6 years ago and given the fact that April this year a second brother died I asked my Dr if I should have further tests as I do have unpridictable bowls. I was told there would be no need. It is reasuring that canser reasearch promote these reasearches and I wish them success

I am 62 years old. My earliest recollection of anything associated with cancer was the advertising sentence “Cancer Must Yield”. Each and every time I read of the advances in cancer treatments, my heart knows we are indeed forcing it to yield. I congratulate all who are involved with the fight.

Peter Walker

My Daddy died the day this article was published. I pray that some day no one ever has to go through what my Daddy went through.
I don’t think there is enough done to highlight the importance of early testing and detection. Dad only found out that he had bowel cancer 5 weeks before he passed away, this was a week and a half after the secondary tumour in his liver was discovered. Smear tests are recommended every 2 years, why can this not be done for bowel screening or cancer screening in general and from an earlier age? I don’t believe that a lot of GPs are well enough experienced at watching for the signs. Looking back, all the signs were there for months and not one GP picked up on it until it was too late.

We spend millions on an unreliable test to find a rare cancer. (cervical cancer) This test produces lots of false positives and sends huge numbers for unnecessary treatments and biopsies. I was reading an article by Dr Richard DeMay, an American pathologist, who said 99.35% derive no benefit from smears (incl the 0.35% false negative women) but with 2 yearly screening a whopping 77% will at some time be referred for colposcopy. (and usually some form of biopsy) (L. Koutsky’s research)
We know cone biopsies and LEEP can leave women with infertility, problems during pregnancy, miscarriages, pre-term delivery and premature babies.
Dr Angela Raffle, UK expert, published her research results in the BMJ in 2004, “1000 women need regular screening for 35 years to save ONE woman from cervical cancer”.
Breast cancer screening – there are so many concerns with mammograms – false positives, ductal carcinoma in situ (usually non-progressive, but what to do when it’s detected?) unnecessary surgery, chemo and radiation and new research that suggests a link with more cancer – perhaps, the radiation or compression of delicate breast tissue. Also, the Nordic Cochrane Institute did some research that showed a group of women 55-72 having no screening over 10 years had a 2% drop in mortality from breast cancer whereas a group having screening had a 1% drop in mortality from breast cancer – fewer women died from breast cancer in the unscreened group!
The Institute have put together their own brochure for women, “The risks and benefits of mammograms” available at their website. (a rare unbiased summary)
Now bowel cancer kills far more women than rare cervical cancer…yet we spend millions on cervical screening and keep rolling out more expensive add-ons – HPV testing, liquid paps and now vaccination.
With no screening at all, 1% of women would get this cancer!
Mammograms – their benefits are limited/dubious and the harms a major concern. It’s a worry as this is a common cancer; we desperately need a reliable and effective screening test for breast cancer.
What are we doing? Surely we should spend the most money on tests that will save the most lives (without harming healthy people) – bowel cancer is common and this testing carries fewer risks from false positives, pseudo-disease etc…
Time to put politics aside and silence pressure and self-interested groups and use some common sense.
We’re wasting money that could be used in more effective programs.
I vote to roll out a screening test that actually helps large numbers of people without jeopardizing the health of the majority.

A new approach using a simple divise to save a life – is very good news. A nationwide screening would be a possitive move forward as this is an area people avoid seeing the GPs about. :-)

Hi,

Thanks for all your comments.

Unfortunately we can’t offer medical advice on this blog.

If you are concerned about bowel cancer please contact our cancer information nurses on 0808 800 4040, 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday – or via our CancerHelp UK website.

Alternatively, talk to your GP or healthcare professional.

Henry

I have some bowel symptoms like bloating and constipation. I want to diagnose myself but I feel shame for any test like endoscopy or Flexi-Scope, being inserted into the rectum. Is it any alternative method to diagnose polyps.

I’m really pleased that their is evidence of the benefit of this type of screening.Like so many others I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in my 50s [52]so I feel that the age to start sceening should be 50 at the latest so that treatment can be done before a major operation is needed.

As a survivor of bowel cancer and breast cancer I can only say a big YES to more screening.

I have had faecal occult blood test which came back negative. Is it possible to have Flexi Scope test by GP referral?

my dad died of bowel cancer so this is great news to hear there is a better chance of early detection. If you need any guinea pigs you can count me in!

my father died of bowel cancer so this is great news to hear of a better chance of early deetection. If you need more guinea pigs, you can count me in!

My mum had bowel cancer 6 years ago and thankfully is fine now but a test like this could have made all the difference to her. She was 61 when diagnosed with cancer and they believe the polyp had been there a couple of years.

sounds fantastic.my friend was diagnosed early through a private health check some 11/12 years ago. luckily we’ve still got her a very young and active 85 year old. how do we get the test?

This sounds like a big step forward in fighting this type of cancer. I think it should be available to anyone over the age of 45. Well done to cancer research team.

i do hope this is eventually available to younger people,as i have had bowel problems for years and it terrifies me that something could be missed.i would like to be notified if this service becomes available.

My father died of bowel cancer 4 years ago aged 65, only 10 months into his longed for retirement. It wasn’t diagnosed until he was rushed into hospital with severe vomiting. His death was a severe shock to my mum and me and my sister and I still miss him terribly.I am a 47 year old wife and mother of three young children and was sent for this test by my GP because of my worries and my family history (my gran and her brother both died of bowel cancer as well).It was done at a day surgery and was no trouble at all. My results were negative and I really hope that this test is made more widely available so that others don’t have to go through what we did with my dad- well done CR for all your work and raising awareness of bowel cancer. I hope the test will be available to younger people as well, in time

My Dad died of bowel cancer aged 51, he was being treated for a slipped disc before finally being diagnosed. This was nearly 20 years ago. Since the age of 37, I myself have this proceedure every 3/5 years and although a little inconvienent for a couple of days would not go without it. Very valuable and reasuring.

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer 7 years ago at the age of 50, without doubt the worst moment of my life. I had an op to remove the tumour and today am healty and able to enjoy life – I can never thank enough the skill of surgeons and other medical staff and like many others thank Cancer Research for all their hard work fighting this disease

Fantastic news I lost my dad to bowel cancer, anything that can help save lives has to be congratulated. Well done.

That’s such good news. Like many others who have posted, I lost a friend to bowel cancer (aged 45 with 2 young children). It’s a horrible disease and this kind of test is terrific. Well done cancer research team – our grateful thanks!

Great work Cancer Research,
I am a 36 year old father of 2, my much loved father passed away with bowel cancer, which is hireditary within our family.
Myself, slightly elder brother and younger sister recieve regular screening via colonoscopy, it gives me great satisfaction and comfort in knowing, that having this test may reduce the risk to my health and prevent possible heartache for my children in the future as I have endured.

Please keep up the good work CR, I only wish our government was as committed.

Why not check with your GP you may be eligable for screening depending on circumstances.

Good luck all.

Every effort to get early diagnosis is welcome, i thank God for directing cancer research of this study and thank everyone who is working on behalf of the people suffering with cancer.

My Mum had a narrow escape 5 months ago from colon cancer when a cancerous tumour was discovered during an emergency operation to remove her gallbladder. Her father died from it – never ill before and he died 3 months after diagnosis – and her cousin was treated successfully for it. With this family trend apparent, I would hope to be tested or advised before reaching my late 50’s, having just turned 50. I am thankful for continued progress in research into combatting cancer and educating as to how to take better care of ourselves and lower the risk of developing this dreaded disease. I know several others battling other forms of cancer, with varying degrees of success, so news of earlier and simpler detection procedures are very welcome.

My Mum is a teacher and her friend died of breast cancer and a girl in her class has it as well and a teacher at my school died of it so me and my sister are running the race for life for them!

My husband died of bowel cancer nine years ago. he was so young and fit I think it was missed because it was the last thing anyone expected. I welcome the new screening, and can only hope it will be extended to younger people in time. My husband was only 33 when he died, so my worries for my two young children are very real.

My sister and auntie died within 9 months of each other from bowel cancer. Thankfully I have had the endoscopy, found a few polyps and had them removed but were not cancerous, that was two years ago and I will be screened every 5 years. Worth having done if available in your area, and the little bit of discomfort that goes with it.

I am one of three sons of a mother & father both of whom had cancer, my father died as a result of his cancer, which became many cancers throughout his body and brain. He died 18 months after his first diagnosis.

I am within a doctors’ practice who WILL send their patients for examinations and tests, sooner rather than later, (some people would say: – rather than too late), consequently as I am now reaching my middle sixties I have been entered for the Faecal occult blood test and latterly the Flexible sigmoidoscopy, it was a releaf to realise that should I ever contract cancer, then, due to these test I have a much greater chance of surviving cancer due to an earlier diagnosis that my parents had. (And thus being able to watch my grandchild; hopefully grandchildren, grow to maturity).

Unfortunately my brothers live in an area where these proceedures are not as freely prescribed, concequently I now worry for their futures.

THANK YOU, AND CARRY ON THE GOOD WORK.

R. Andrew.

This is such good news. I have had the home test, but would feel a lot happier if I had the opportunity of this new test. My nan died of colon cancer and anything to save the lives of people is so worth while.

I am writing this on a very sad time for me. My Daughter of 45year’s of age died last week of colon cancer she fought a great battle trying to save her life to watch her 7 year old son grow up. I do agree with everyone screening should be offered before it is to late. My Daughter would have lived longer if the doctor had sent her for the tests for Colon Cancer and not dignosed her with Piles. When operated on a year later she had a cancer has big as a small orange. My Daughter lived in the states.

Have taken part in the home test, but I think this will
be a great step forward

My parner died of secondary liver cancer after being diagnosed with bowel cancer four years ago. She was only 46 when first diagnosed and she braved two years of Chemo before eventually losing her battle. Prior to being diagnosed she lived a healthy lifestyle, eat well, wasn’t overweight, didn’t smoke. This disease does not discriminate, it can take anyone. Any screening for this disease is a step forward. It would not have helped my partner because she was so young but having experienced the pain that the big C causes I would have paid any price to save my beloved Sally. God bless her. Please take every oppertunity to support Cancer Research UK they do make a difference.

At the age of 83 I found blood in my stool and my GP arranged for me to have a scan and later I had a endoscopy in the desending bowel which found polyps and removed them. Later I had a endoscopy into the assending bowel and a large polyp was diagnosed as cancerious. I had the Assending bowel removed last September and now aged 84 I’m feeling fine and cannot thank the medical staff and research teams enough for giving such a good quality of life.

I had this procedure in Feb 2004 after a blood test confirmed I had the bowel cancer gene. They discovered I already had cancer in my bowel and in April 2004 I had a full colonectomy ( they removed the whole of my large colon), I was 35 at the time with 2 small children. I now go for an endoscopy every 2 years and 6 years on owe my life to this procedure as well as gene testing. Surely as well as this screening being brought in for the over 50’s we must also insure more gene testing happens for people with a higher risk. If I hadn’t had the gene testing I may never have had the endoscopy and may not have been alive today.

i think any breakthrough in the fight against cancer is fantastic. the new flexi scope will help to save thousands of lives and we only have ourselves to rely on to go for our screening. my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer on 23rd december 2008 at the young age of 24. myself and the doctor were convinced the lump would be nothing serious but how wrong can one be. she had a mastectomy on jan 5 followed by chemotheropy. i am happy to say that she has made a full recovery and is back to her normal self. cancer does not choose its victims by age so i think screening should be available for anyone who wants it at any age.

I agree with all coments from people who say screening should be offered earlier. My husband died 16 years ago at the age of 44. Because he had a bad back they thought extra pain was to do with that. He had had bleeding and been anaemic, they did a colonoscopy looking for an ulcer. That showed nothing, it was by chance when he went to the physio about his back and he said he was very tired that they did a blood test, which revealed very anaemic, he eventually had a barium enenema which revealed a tumour in the bowel above the liver which it had by then affected the liver and eventually went to the lungs. He died 15 months after being diagnosed after undergoing chemo and radio therapy. The importent message is time. They spent too much time looking for other things, cancelling appointments. I was told they don’t automatically look for bowel cancer in someone so young. Another man who was in hospital with him died at 37 and reading the above letters it proves that we need to look younger and look for the worst scenario first not last.

This is very good news indeed.
Just yesterday a friend was telling me she lost her 46 year old
brother to bowel cancer.
He had ulcers and stomach problems for many years.
Had such a preventative screening been available as a preventative measure
things might have turned out differently.
Well done to Professor Atkins and others who look out for us.

As a person that has had bowel cancer and also lost a mother from it this is really great news.
Let’s hope that whatever party wins the General Election, they will fund a screening process for the nation.
I really doubt that it will happen.

I think this is the best thing that could happen. We have lost friends and family, and it tears a family apart. The goverment should put it’s total support behind this. We have just had one of the new test’s for my husband, and although worried about the result very glad to have the chance, to find out now rather than when it’s to late. This really has to be done nation wide, for all ages. Fingers crossed that what ever party wins the election this will be on the top of the list.

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year at he age of 26.
I was operated on successfully and had 6 months chemotherapy. As a result of this initial operation I had a colostomy which was reversed 3 weeks ago.
Early diagnosis of any type of cancer is critical.
2 months before i was diagnosed I saw my GP as i had what i thought were stomach pains. He told me I was constipated. The sachets he gave me for this obviously did not treat what was really the problem. The pain got so bad that I went to A&E and they operated on me the following day.
My GP later told me that if I had been over 40 he would have sent me for further tests which would have picked up on the cancer.
I am lucky to have survived. Others will not be so lucky due to not being diagnosed early enough. I realise it is a huge expense to diagnose people from a younger age, but something needs to be done.
Having come through this I am keen to work with bowel cancer charities. If anyone could point me in the right direction I would be very grateful. Many thanks.

My mother died of bowel cancer inspite of visits to a GP who diagnosed something else – early detection is the answer and anyway of assisting this has to be implemented.

My father had bowel cancer and had it treated successfully but he later died of liver cancer. However I had bowel problems that I foolishly attributed to IBS until I started bleeding. Once the doctor was aware of my family history I was sent for endoscopy then colonoscopy. It turned out that I had a large adenomatous polyp which was removed. Fortunately it was not malignant. If it had not been for the rectal bleeding I may have carried on ‘manfully’ and the polyp possibly might have turned cancerous.
I was 53 and have to have colonoscopy every 3 years.
Scanning from the age of 50 is a must.
I was the one in 50000 that got a perforated bowel from the colonoscopy but a week in hospital on anti-biotics was a small price to pay. I’m still here.

I have recently been discharged from hospital after 5 years on the follow-up programme after surgery for bowel cancer. I am delighted at the new research findings as it is the difficulty in detection that makes bowel cancer such a killer. My surgeon recons I could have had the condition for 20 years, although I had NO SYMTOMS apart from fatigue! I did not start investigation untill I fainted; then a simple blood test showed that there was something seriously wrong. It still took 4 months till the tumour was detected and I was operated on, by which time the it had gone through the wall. This necessitated 6 months’ chemotherapy after the op.
I am now 62 years old, and my 83 year old mother has recently been diagnosed with cancerous polyps in the bowel. My concern is for my children and siblings, and thus agree with the call for routine screening for those with direct family links to cancer sufferers. This less invasive, swifter and cheaper (than colonoscopy) method seems ideal!
In the meantime I would advice anyone with extreme fatigue to have a simple blood test!

My mum died of bowel cancer last July, after going to her doctors since a year previously regarding weight loss, sickness and diarrohea they just kept sending her for blood tests. Four months later they found a polyp, and finally after barium enemas, coloscopes and chemo, she died very suddenly. We can only hope that any new tests and screening to help prevent any more cases like my mums and so many more who have died to bowel cancer. It’s good to hear that the money we all donate to cancer research is actually giving results.

My brother died of Bowel Cancer 3 years ago at the age of 44. It was initially misdiagnosed as Jaundice, a lot of time was wasted doing various tests, it was only after weeks/months of various testing that BC was diagnosed. Maybe this test would of helped, but only if those involved know what to look for. Personally, I think the test should be available as part of a routine test on the NHS for people in their 40’s or as from 40yrs. I would definitely have the test, it would be no different to women who are currently able to routinely have smear tests.

Having suffered with IBS for some years I am concerned about bowel health; God bless Prof.Atkin for her inspirational work and her big breakthrough. I am lucky enough to be able to have two-yearly health screening through my employer and sincerely hope this test will be part of that screening in the future.

I had this test in the health area I live in three years ago and a group of polyps were found, later they were found to be non cancerous but I am so glad I went for the procedure, the first time is a bit scary but nothing to what could be if you dont have it done. I thank the specialist who did a full colonoscopy for possibly saving my life. Its not painful except to your ego as it doesnt sound very appealing to have a camera placed where it has to go, but I was semi-conscious and only woke up to see my insides on the colour tv next to the practitioner. its nothing to worry about, its not demeaning if it saves your life and I am sure it may have saved mine.
I was only 52 when I had it done as I complained of a pain in my side and a little blood in my bowel movements, if this sounds like something you have, insist it be checked out and go through the procedure. PLEASE, dont become an unnecessary death statistic.

This is great news and I think that everbody who is offered these tests should take them up. It seems so unneccesary for people to die from something that can be cured if detected early enough.

That is fantastic news .I had bowel cancer 14 years ago, this is wonderful . I am Chair of survivorship for Cancer research UK Dumfries & Galloway. We are raiging funds before our relay for life in July, so wonderful to hear that the money raised in the past as well as in the future is making a big differance.

Following the death of my mother from bowel cancer I was offerd a flexiscope test at my then GP surgery in Herfordshire (age 40). I was recommended to follow up every 5 years. Neither my current GP in Wiltshire nor private medical insurance have been able to advise me how I can organise screening. I recently undertook a FOBT test which I bought online as a small step towards taking responsibility for my own health. I’m happy to pay, but how can one obtain flexiscope testing. My brother in the US doesn’t have a problem organising this himself.

My mum died at the age of 54 in November 2008 of a very rare form of cancer not related to the bowel – this kind of work and the money that can fund similar studies is vital to further research and our fight against cancer. The number of posts on this website alone of similar stories to my own is absolutely heartbreaking – for each and every development in new technoloogy, tests and treatment brings a huge motivational boost to keep raising money, keep donating and keep supporting cancer research. Amazing work!

I have just been formally discharged from hospital after a 5 year follow-up programme following surgery for stage 3 bowel cancer. I had 6 months on capecitabene after the op. What a wonderful thing that Wendy’s research is now published! Bowel cancer kills as it is so difficult to detect. My surgeon suggests that I may have had the condition for up to 20 years, yet I had no symptoms apart from fatigue. Didn’t seek help until I fainted…then all hell broke loose! Routine blood tests showed huge anomalities, yet it took 4 months till I had the operation, by which time the cancer had gone through the wall. It was that hard to detect!

I am now 62 years old. My mother has recently been diagnosed with cancerous polyps in the large intestine and my worry is now for my children and my siblings. The ‘flexi-scope’ ought to be routinely administered to immediate relatives of cancer sufferers, it being so much less invasive and indeed also cheaper than the full colonoscopy, which is not now recommended.

My advice to anyone with extreme fatigue without symptoms is: have a blood test! The investigation can then start…or not. You may be perfectly healthy, which is, of course what I thought I was all along…

My husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2001, it has died off in the bowel and moved to his liver. He was given 3 months, but he died in November 2009, after an extremely brave and courageous battle which took us to Spain for further treatment. Our daughters with both have to be screened for bowel cancer when they are old enough and anything that can help in preventing this awful disease has the thumbs up from me. His fight and what we went through as a family has changed my life.

I had acute diverticulitis 20yrs ago and had my baby who is now 2yrs via c/section. The surgeon had to repair/ease my bowels away they were stuck to my stomach wall. I was never told about having an endoscopy to check that all is well and now you have this breakthrough with the flexi-scope is fantastic news. I shall be contacting my doctor immediately to follow through having an endoscopy.

Having had heart surgery in 1998 my husband went for his usual annual check-up. He was asked to return to the surgery for a repeat test as his haemaglobin was low.As we were away for some time there was a delay of two months. When a repeat test was made he was suffering abdominal discomfort, thought to be caused by taking daily Aspirin and perhaps was a bleeding ulcer. He was referred for ultrasound,then endoscopy and colonscopy. He was operated on in February for Colon Cancer. with keyhole surgery.No secondaries,or liver damage. Always go for those important tests. You see one thing can lead to another , and time is of the essence. Thanks to all for your vital work.

I think this is a wonderful step forward in diagnosing bowel cancer. I had polyps removed with a colonoscopy when I was in my late 40s. Since then I have had two further colonoscopies but none have returned and I was given the all clear two years ago. Any type of screening that saves lives has to be good news. Well done, keep up the execllent work.

Please make this nationally available within the NHS.
Despite accurate diagnosis and two surgeries, my mother died of bowel cancer in June 2008. An early routine test might well have saved her life.

Well done,anything that improves the fight against cancer is brilliant news, I have lost my sister 52, dad 72, grandmother all to cancer.

My wife died of bowel cancer in January and it was only diagnosed the previous October. Less than three months before she became very ill. Why there were few symptons and not detected earlier I will never know so if there can be some early screening it would be a very positive step forward. Something important for our three daughters to know about. My wife was only 62 years old – no enjoyable retirement together.

The results of this research are very encouraging, but I do believe that screening should be started at a younger age. At just 29 I have been diagnosed with breast cancer so I think that screening should be started at an earlier age but we also need to increase awareness of the disease and the signs and symptoms, as early detection is crucial. There is a history of cancer in my family so I am always interested to hear ways in which the disease can be prevented or detected early. Keep up the good work as it really does make a difference to people’s lives.

I recommend everyone to have whatever screening is available. I experienced bleeding from the bowel at the age of 60. An endoscopy revealed a small tumour, resulting in removal of a section of the large bowel during which two polyps were also discovered and removed. The doctor commented that “the bleeding did me a good turn” – an apt comment because there was no screening programme at the time. I wonder how things might have developed, had I not experienced the bleeding, because I was apparently in good health and, until then, had no reason to suspect a problem.

Now, at the ripe old age of 77, with no recurrence so far, I’m thankful that I went to the doctor right away and hope that the Flexi-scope programme will soon be routinely available.

I am right behind any campaign to adopt this test nationwide but as my Mum died from this type of cancer a few years ago I would like to know if I can get the Flexi scope test done privately as I would willingly pay for peace of mind.

When will this become part of a national sreening regeme that will also include a blood test for prostrate cancer .
If the FOBT is only useful if a bleed is present , vigilance is still required .
Congratulations to all those involved in this research .

would like to thank all at velindra hospital and for the opportunity of going on the trials. our gp, prince charles hospital, and the district nurses who attened to him , they were truely my angels.

Essential to introduce this dual-approach screening! At an age rapidly approaching 60 there are two major cancer fears for me and both of them are down there. The thought of not knowing, weighed up against knowing? …Just not a contest. My mother had polyps regularly removed. For the cost of one cancer operation with time in hospital on top, prevention by screening is plain common sense. How can we get screened?

This is very good news. The only concern I have is that due to family history of colon cancer and also having the family gene for it, I am suppose to have regular colonoscopies.. well every 2 years. However, these guidelines change, this is mostly due to Labour’s policy that more people are checked when complaining of bowel problems.

As I mentioned, I am concerned that this will put more pressure on the health system and delay tests for people like myself.

I have read it all very well done, keep the good work up!

my husdand passed away in sept 08 aged 54 , cancer started in the bowel but spread to liver and lungs by the time it was detected. he went through clinical trials and lived 15mths but was told he less than 6mths ,so i am greatfull these trials gave us a little more time together, all these breakthroughs are a blessing,without these we would still be living in the dark ages.

I completed an FOBT in the spring of 2009 which came back all clear. In the summer I started to develop the symptoms of irregular bowel habits and passing blood. I saw my GP in November 2009 and on 7 January was diagnosed with rectal cancer with a small tumour. After further CT and PET scans and a biopsy of a lymph gland it was confirmed that the cancer had spread into the whole of my lymph node network. I started treatment in March. I thank and praise everyone at the Royal Marsden Sutton including the doctors, consultants and nurses for their fast response, professionalism and compassion they have showed in diagnosing my cancer and establishing a treatment plan.
Had I had the benefit of the Flexi-scope to detect the polyp instead of the FOBT I may well have ended up in the curable rather than the treatable category I am now in.
So should the Flexi-scope test replace the FOBT?

After reading this I feel I need to have the flexiscope but won’t be able to, and worry that If I have a private flexiscope will this invalidate my right to use the NHS?

My Mother died of Bowel cancer at 87 she developed a lump in her side which was foung to be advanced cancer so my borthers and i went for tests, i had firstly Sigoidoscopy and they found a Polyp in the lower bowel, so they then sent me for the full Endoscopy which they found no others in the main bowel so they removed the Polyp at the same time and sent it for tests which came back clear of cancer, but i have to go back every three years for mor tests it is still worrying that the pllyp coud come back again, so we live in hope that it does not i am very pleased i had it done otherwise this may have turned cancerous in the future thanks to the NHS and the doctors for all your help

Very good news to hear about this procedure to detect polyps in the lower bowel, although I believe it has been widely used in the USA for years.My cousin is examined every year.
I had a successful operation 2 years ago to remove a large tumour in the upper part of the bowel.I was 58 and was told that the tumour had probably been growing for 10 years. It had taken a full colonoscopy (after a 6 months wait!) to discover the problem,and the NHS surgical team and nursing care were brilliant and undoubtedly saved my life. However the Flexi scope test would not have detected my tumour, so although I believe it should be rolled out by the government asap, I also think that screening should begin before 50 and that the colonoscopy procedure should be made more readily available via GP referrals

had the bowel screening test in sept 2009 test was positive ,went for a colonoscopy found a polyp on the bowel which was flat & couldnt be removed at the same time.
then had an ultra sound ,followed by a mri sca,then a ct scan,then another colonoscopy,before an op via my rectum to remove the polyp.which was benign.but prior to the op they found out that my heart wasnt all that good after a heart attack 12 yrs previously so they changed my medication so the bowel screen helped me in 2 differant ways.

I was diagnosed with stage 2 Bowel Cancer l0 months ago at the age of 33 and my son was only 8 weeks old.
My surgery was successful and I completed 6 months of chemo in January. All the symptoms I had complained of were put down to the fact that I was pregnant – and even after a DVD and 9 ultrasounds no-one picked it up!

The work of the Birmingham Bowel Clinic and Cancer Research is such a blessing – and news of this new test is fantastic!

BUT – it should not only be offered when you are older! More and more people both here and in the US are being diagnosed in their 30’s!

I had bowel cancer at the end of 2008 and had major surgery to remove a tumor. I have since had 2 more colonoscopies, the first to remove some polyps that could not bee reached before as the tumor was in the way. I have now been given the all clear. I am 58 years old and think I am lucky that my cancer was caught before it could spread. I believe if this screening is as available on the same level as say mammogram screening it could save many many lives. It would also save a lot of money as I know the cost of my operation alone without post op care for 9 days in hospital was £10,000.

This sounds like a great step forward in diagnosing Bowel Cancer early and the Government should definitely look into it as the cost savings on treatment could certainly be used to implement the testing so would in effect be self-funding.

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006 at the age of 43. I had a resection followed by chemo (not pleasant) and – touch wood – all has been well ever since.

The diagnosis came as a shock. I had been suffering from bleeding for a few months but in typical “manly” fashion I ignored it hoping that it would go away. As the bleeding continued, I did some of my own research and concluded that it must be IBS. Eventually however I plucked up the courage to see my GP, a decision for which I am eternally grateful. He referred me to a consultant who scheduled me in for an endoscopy and the rest is history.

This new screening technique sounds fantastic. But my plea would be – INTRODUCE IT FROM A YOUNGER AGE! I recognise that there is a cost associated with it, but from what I have heard and read, and from my own experience, bowel cancer can grow slowly for years. The longer it’s in there, the greater the chance that the cancer will spread to the lymphatic system and attack vital organs.

Please, please, please – push for earlier screening. And much more needs to be done about education so that people do not feel embarrassed about problems with their bums!

Thankyou for sending this blog, having had minor bowel problems in the past after reading the previos comments made me realise i should have regular checks and this test would be wonderful to put my mind at rest. Anything that helps save lives and families suffering has to be a good thing.
Well done and keep up the good work.

This is fantastic news. I am in my early 60’s and have occassional rectum bleeding so after reading your article I will be going to my doctor’s to arrange to have an endoscopy and hope it isn’t too late.

My Mother died at the age of 54, any progress is good progress. i just wish that more screening would be done in younger people, specailly if you have cancer in the family.

This is a wonderful breakthrough and I hope that this research programme will be permitted to take the steps it requires so that this test can be offered along with the present screening (FOTB). However it will take a great deal of persuasion from the public to get Government to give the necessary funding, under the present cut-backs it will be difficult-and after the 7th May we all know there will be a lot more, we must make our voices heard!

It all sounds fantastic and I hope it does save lives…My husbands Auntie died 7 days ago with bowel cancer. My husbads is 60 in June,so far he has had 3 endoscopes and, they have cut out 5 polyps so I don’t really understand why he has had so many.He goes into hospital again in a couple of weeks for another.Why!
I think that endoscope should be done at the age of 40/45 just like we do for breast cancer at 50.
I had an conlonoscopie when I was 48 because I had found blood, I was so frightened, only to find out I was OK.I had carried that horrible fear for a couple of months before I had this colonoscopie. Sleepless nights,couldn’t eat, crying and at the end of this test I was so relieved and thankful for that test.

The findings of this new research are brilliant! I have ulcerative colitis and over a five year period, since being diagnosed, have had two flexible sigmoidoscopies and three colonoscopies. The benefits of these tests far out way the slight discomfort experienced. I would urge anyone who is eligible for the test to go ahead…it could save your life!

I would, however, like to see the test available for younger people too. Maybe in the future, when costs have been reduced by this preventative measure, the colonoscopy, instead of the flexible sigmoidoscopy, could be introduced, saving even more lives, as colonoscopies examine the whole of the bowel.

My Mother at the age of 54, any progress is good progress. i just wish that more screening would be done in younger people, specailly if you have cancer in the family.

Wonderful piece of research which I hope will be followed up and used as a preventative measure against bowel cancer. Anything which can help prevent this disease is welcome and the financial cost of prevention must outweigh the cost of treatment even without factoring in the human cost.

Brilliant research well done.
On embarrasing bodies programme a couple of weeks ago, it showed a tiny capsule camera being swallowed and then, the bowel being screened from top to bottom – would that not be more beneficial?

The research findings are astonishing any potential to save lifes should be embraced by all Health Authorities immediately

My mother died at just 61 of cancer so any progress like this is very welcome.

Wit non danger of a false positive this needs to be taken on as there are usch clear benefits, and unlike soem other screening options no down-sides.

I have had this procedure done now 5 times now due to issues with my bowel which are now thankfully under control. I have to say the staffs at Gartnavel hospital in Glasgow are fantastic. The procedure itself can be uncomfortable as air is pumped into your bowel so the doctors can clearly see your bowel. But the benefits of this test far out way any discomfort that you may experience. I also got to see my bowel of the TV screen and how many people can say that. I tried to get the girls to burn it on to DVD but it’s a service they do not provide. : o )

My dear father died of bowel cancer, with secondary liver cancer. He had already had polyps removed but was not followed up by his GP or our local hospital when he complained of pain and swelling in his abdominal area. On this occasion there was no rectal bleed. A wonderful man’s life was wasted. The research findings are excellent, I just hope our hospitals put this additional screening into practice.

Great news, this makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Glad to hear research is coming up with even more tests that can detect cancer in the early stages.

When my late husband was 45 he underwent a colonoscopy because he had bleeding from his bowel. This revealed what were called “tags” and he was told to go back to his GP should the bleeding re-occur. Armed with this reassuring result he spent the next 5 years ignoring the slight bouts of bleeding which only occured if he was constipated. However in August 1999 the bleeding started to become more frequent and in the following May he underwent an 8hr op to remove a bowel tumour which proved in-operable. He died in December 2002 aged 53. I later found out this tumour had begun as a polyp in the rectum, only about 10cms into the bowel. With this screening he could still have been alive. Whilst I obviously think this is wonderful, screening Brian in his 50s would still have been too late. This needs to be done much earlier – by doing it when people are 40 with regular follow-ups even more lives can be saved, not to mention the cost of all the chemo and radiotherapy.

Of course this is good news, how could it be otherwise;
BUT when will this manifest itself as a screening programme given the forthcoming pressures on NHS funding over the next few years.

I’m more worried (though I don’t dwell on it) about bowel cancer than I am about breast or cervical cancer even though, apart from my grandfather who was a heavy smoker and died of lung cancer, there isn’t a history of cancer in my family. I had the mammogram at 50, I’ve had regular smear tests over the years so I would very much welcome a test to check for bowel cancer. Like other 2 other tests I’ve ‘endured’, it’s a case of ‘lay back and think of England’!!!!

Back of the net! Well done to Prof Atkins and her team, all the people who gave their time so the trials could go ahead and, of course, Cancer Research for their support and funding. Results like this make it soooooo worthwhile giving to this Charity – no matter how little you give!

My uncle was diagnosed with bowel cancer in his early 60s, he had an operation to have it removed. This then spread to secondary lung cancer, he later died at a very young age of 61….he never got to enjoy his retirement. His Sister, my aunt was offered the NHS Bowel Screening Programme as she is over 60, she was NOT going to bother as she has no symtoms…it turns out that she has bowel cancer and although we are very worried it is a relief to know that it has been caught now rather than later…the question is if the screening was done earlier i.e. when people are in their 50s it could be prevented….AND…if people are offered a free test they should always take it as it can catch the cancer before it is too late and save their life.

It is absolutely vital that research has to be ongoing this screening would benefit so many people also cut down on the expense of longer treatments thus a huge saving on NHS funding.Keep up the magnificent work.Joan Dawson

My mother died at 49 with numerous cancers in her body and her mother before her. I have therefore always worried that I might be more susceptible to Cancer. Any screening is therefore most welcome and I would love to know how I can get this new type of bowel test. I am 63 years old and have already had the FOBT

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer 3 years ago at the age of 60. I was told the polyp could have been growing for as much as 1o years. If this is correct would it not be better to recommend this screening at an earlier age, perhaps 50? Most of the people I have met who have had bowel cancer have been the same age as me which means the onset was nearer 50 than 60 years of age.
I am delighted to hear that this preventative test is being promoted but feel more should be done to advertise the signs of this cancer as so many people like myself are led to believe that you only get it if you eat badly and generally do not look after yourself! I consider myself fit and have always eaten five a day!!
Reading other people’s stories tells me I am not the only one feeling that tests at an earlier age would be better.
I look forward to hearing lots more good news on this research.

I am 42, thankfully never had cancer, though I’ve had a couple of scares in the past. I would have thought that this should be rolled out ASAP to the general public. I for one (even though I hate anything to do with internal examinations) would have this done, and perhaps the age of testing should be younger too? So the motto is “The sooner the better”. Keep up the good work!

Excellent results for 55 – 64 year olds but we are not told how many ther were in this group. Maybe this is the only sge group it would be cost effective.

As for being a 5 minute test , I do not believe it. Straight off the street, no questions asked,explanation, clothes down, onto a couch, test performed, result explained, dress and all in 5 minutes!
Sensationalism

having had ovarian cancer and know the stress that one goes through i think that regular screening for any type of cancer is most important, prevention is necessary, this would save many lives and of course money

I’ve had Ulcerative Colitis for 22 years,and am on treatment of mesalazine and one imodium in the morning.I am a locksmith and have no fears of doing my job or going on long trips anywhere.Since I cancelled my checkups a huge weight was taken off my shoulders and feel much healthier as a result.All polyps were removed and I have had no odd pains or blood at all.I think it’s mainly hereditary and I don’t worry anymore,as none of my family have had it.

Coming from a family where cancer is prevalent I am so pleased to hear of a screening programme which will help to alleviate suffering both for patient and for their families.

I have had 3 endoscopy done, painless, but well worth a little discomfort. Thank goodness I am o.k., but I will have it done again, as cancer in the the family. Keep up the good work

This is fantastic news having lost my mum to colon cancer 3 years ago and watching her in and out of the doctors for near on 9 years before they discovered it this is great news lets hope it become avaliable for those needing the screening

Regards emma

screening is the way to go should be introduced asap this will not only save millions in pounds but thousands in lives it will give people the confidence to come forward and promote cancer awareness. prevention as well as cure, fantastic it makes you realise even small donations collectively can go a long way to research ways to beat all diseases

Having had an hysterectomy for cysts on my ovaries, my local hospital thought I had border line cancer, however it was sent off for a second opinion who confirmed it was not, however I go for an annual check up every year, just in case.

On another note, my sister also has breast cancer which has now developed to secondary cancer moving into her bones and other parts of her body, which, combined with my hysterectomy results and her cancer means I will undertake any tests to do with cancer.

When I was 60 I used the FOBT sent through the post and my results were fine.

Professor Atkin’s research regarding the trial of a test called flexible sigmoidoscopy or, more commonly, ‘Flexi-Scope’ involving a tube called an endoscope is really good news for bowel cancer and let’s hope it is available sooner rather than later for everyone.

Good luck with Professor Atkin’s ongoing research as well as all the other research done to combat this evil disease.

Three years ago they found (from bleeding)a small cancerous polyp which was removed together with about a third of my large bowel. A year later they found another small cancerous polyp and then removed all the large bowel except the rectum. In January this year they found another small polyp with the camera. This time it was non cancerous and removed. Itis hard to believe that the body can function without a large bowel, but it can and it does it remarkably well. It is now two years on and in truth the endoscope truly saved my life.

I had this done a few years ago, both processes and they are painless – just a little inconvenient but if it saves lives then this is well worh it.
Keep up the good work!!!

I had acute diverticulitis 15 years ago and had part of my bowel removed by Mr Naysmith at Furness general hospital. I was informed that I had greater risk of getting bowel cancer because of this so therefore I see Mr Naysmith annually and every 2 or three years I have an endoscopy examination of my bowel to check all is well. I would encourage any one to have this test if they are at all cocerned.

Our local hospital-Arrowe Park already carries out a brilliant screening programme for bowel cancer offering people with increased risk colonoscopies.(My husband is on this programme). It would be wonderfulif the funding could be put in place to invite all peopleto be screened in this way.

Between Christmas and New Year I completed a FOBT test, sent it off and thought no more about it. I was stunned to receive a letter calling me for endoscopy, with several leaflets all explaining the statistics etc. I was very anxious and read the leaflets again and again. Fortunately the screening hub were kind, helpful and assured me that, no matter what, if they were dealing with me I was the most important person at that time. I had my endoscopy – the worst bit was the day before with the medication to clear the bowel! It came back as clear but with some fistulas and advice about increasing the fibre content of my diet. I thank God and the NHS for dedicated people who care so much about others. My advice is to take whatever you are offered. I am waiting for the result of breast screening and know that if the worst were to happen someone would be rooting for me. Thank you.

I have lost a brother to cancer who was only 40years old. Sadly 3years ago I lost my husband to a rare form of cancer he was only 67 years old anything that keeps our loved ones with us longer is a blessing.

My dad died of bowel cancer at the grand age of 61 having never been ill in his life. We as a family were devastated he and my mum never got to enjoy retirement having worked hard to get there! I’ve had an endoscopy myself had polyps removed and the worry is always there I’ll get it. It would be great if the test could be done earlier than late 50’s I’m only 47… I guess we can only hope!

This is wonderful news and I hope that in time everyone over the age of 50 may have the opportunity to take both options. I was 56 when diagnosed with Bowel Cancer, even had I been offered the tests at 50 I don’t know what I would have done in those days. But hindsight is a wonderful thing, having survived a bowel cancer operation and being left with a stoma, I am now only too well aware of Bowel Cancer, whereas previously I was not really aware of its pitfalls etc.
In order to ease the pressure on our hospitals etc it is vital that more EDUCATION is needed re Bowel Cancer. Early treatment will not only benefit patients, but hopefully in time save huge N.H.S. costs, this may enable younger persons to take the tests.
Thank you for keeping me informed and I wish that the ongoing research every success.

My father died of bowel cancer & my brother suffers with bowel problems.
If the screening using endoscopy (as a start) was offered to families with a history of bowel cancer it could give new hope to people.

My Partner was diagnosed with bowel cancer and secondery liver cancer two days before Christmas 2009. She is currently undergoing treatment. She is 45 years old next month, the same time as her bowel operation is scheduled for. We have been advised that the cancer may well have started forming as long as 8 years ago putting her age at just 37 when a test like the one proposed may have spotted something. We have been told that bowel cancer is uncommon at such a relatively young age. I wonder what proposals if any there may be for younger age group screening???

I think this is great news. Earlier the detection the
better. Thank God for people who spend so much time
looking for ways to save people’s lives. God Bless them. Cancer Research is a big blessing to us all.

My mother died of ovarian cancer and I am thrilled that we are getting closer to more screenings so we can all have a better chance of monitoring cancer to try and stop it in it’s tracks and give us peace of mind that we are also helping by taking advantage of earlier screenings.

My mother died of bowel cancer; she suffered enormously before it was even diagnosed, and they only did so just in time to stop it rupturing completely. She only lived a further 2 years after her operation. Her mother (my grandmother) also died of this condition some 50 years ago, so this is great news because if it is hereditory this could be of great benefit to me.

I am suffering from b0wel cancer with metastasis in liver for the last 3years now.Although i am a practicing general practitioner ,yet my surgeon and i missed it initially.But thanks to modern methods of treatment i am still alive,working at 69 years of age and enjoying a good quality of life.An early detection of bowel cancer is very happy news indeed.

My brother died of cancer three weeks ago and it started in the bowel which he left undetected for a long time. My mother successfully fought boweld cancer at the same age and lived another twenty years. When I turned 60 I used the faecel screening test sent through and it was negative. This new test sounds such a move forward. Thank you for the information.