New bowel screening test introduced in England

Just wondered why they are not including the NW in the pilot group?

I am a 50yr old female and have lost a grandad, three of his daughters and one of their daughters to colon cancer between ages 51 & 70, does this put me into a higher risk category?

This is wonderful news and needs to be rolled out across the UK asap. My husband died in 2002 from bowel cancer. He had been given a colonoscopy in 1998 and this had detected what were described as tags. No treatment had been offered. He underwent major abdominal surgery in May 2000 after finding blood in his stools, but his tumour had already spread and his condition was diagnosed as terminal. The truly awful thing is that even if they had found a polyp in 1998 they would not have removed it. He was 53 when he died.

This is excellent news, but do hope this will be offered throughout the UK. I’m approaching 50 and bowel cancer worries me. I lost my dear Mum to this cancer in 1994 – three weeks after diagnosis. She was only 61. If the bowel screening test that is now offered in Scotland to over 50s had been available then perhaps it would have been detected a lot earlier.

Such good news when progress is made to offer screening.

I think it’s great. Any screening is a good thing, however, I was 39 when I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. It was only found because I had a scope. The specialist said that other tests (ie barium enema) would not have found it. Luckily for me my cancer was found early and surgery was all that was needed. Having said that, I wouldn’t ever want to go through bowel surgery again – it’s not nice. The scope is nothing by comparison. I’ve had about 6 now and believe me they are far preferable to the possible alternative!!

If you feel that your concerns are not being taken seriously then its important to be persistent, whatever your age, make a diary of your symptoms and what you have eaten for a couple of weeks as proof of what you are suffering to prove how serious you are.

If after a couple of visits you get nowhere then as Dan says, see a different G.P or book in with a practice nurse who can further raise your concerns for you.

If you still have no joy then I would contact your practice manager, G.P’s unfortunately don’t have unlimited funds but if you are really concerned and have genuine reason to be then keep trying.

Health is our own responsibility and therefore we must follow up our visits until a test is provided if it is justified, also ask for dietary advice and follow it, as a change in diet may help symptoms and if it doesn’t this will strengthen your case.

I am a very fit 75. Recently I underwent the full medical to maintain a PCV driving licence. Recently I walked in the Brecon Beacons. I have no symptoms but would like to have screening for bowel cancer. Can this be done?

I think that the testing is a great thing but as with many of these things I wonder about the age groups. I understand its a trial at the moment and its the most at risk group. I am 28 and am pretty much always constipated/blood in stools/gassy/get cramps/have piles…and have visited doctors many times over the years and basically they are always reluctant to even test for anything…im sure they think im imagining it! having said that one doctor did reluctantly send me for a colonoscopy once and thankfully found nothing to be concerned about (this was a couple of years ago now) but i just worry that the younger generation needs to be taken seriously and offered these tests too…

My husband and I would certainly like to take any test available but maybe we are too old – I am 82 and my husban is 88

I think that any tests done to look for cancer now or later on are very positive, I would definately be interested in this especially as I have bowel cancer in the family.

I think this is an excellent idea when preventive measures come into there own

Thanks everyone for your comments. It’s great to hear so many of you are so positive about the developments, and about the impact bowel cancer screening has had on you and your relatives. We’ve tried to respond to as many of your queries as possible below. We hope they’re helpful – sorry we’re not able to respond to everyone by name.

Firstly, screening is intended to spot cancer before it shows any symptoms. If you have noticed a change in your body, like blood in your poo or a change in bowel habit that lasts longer than three weeks, please do not wait for an invitation to screening but go and see your doctor as soon as possible. There’s more information on the symptoms of bowel cancer here: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/bowel-cancer/about/bowel-cancer-symptoms.

Secondly, many of you asked about whether or not the test is available to you. The first thing is to look at whether you live in one of the six pilot areas for the new test – South of Tyne (Queen Elizabeth & South Tyneside), West Kent (West Kent & Medway), Norwich, St Marks (London), Wolverhampton and Surrey (Guildford). If you’re not in one of the pilot areas, Bowel Scope screening is unfortunately not yet available to you, but you’ll still be invited to take part in the existing FOBT bowel cancer screening programme at 60. People in your area will be invited for Bowel Scope screening when it is rolled out fully, which the screening programme is aiming to have completed by 2016.

If you are in one of the pilot areas, you’ll receive an invitation to Bowel Scope screening when you turn 55. If you decide not to take up BSS at this time, you can change your mind until you turn 60, and request a test by ringing your local screening centre. If you’re over 60, you are not able to request Bowel Scope screening, but you can still be screened with the existing test.

Whether or not you decide to have Bowel Scope screening, you will still receive an invitation to be screened using the existing FOBT test when you turn 60. If you’re over 70, you won’t be invited to take part in FOBT screening, but should you still want to take part in the programme you can request a kit by ringing the helpline: 0800 707 60 60. (Similarly, although you will stop receiving invitations to breast screening at 70 [or 73 in some areas], if you want to continue being screened you can request an appointment at your local screening centre).

A number of you asked about your family history, and whether you or your relatives would be able to get a test earlier. At the moment, it’s not possible to link screening programmes to people’s individual level of risk, and the age range screened is determined by the age at which most bowel cancers occur and where there has been evidence that screening has an overall benefit.

However, people who are outside the age range but have a high risk because of their family history or other bowel conditions can sometimes have surveillance tests. If you are concerned about your family history or risk of cancer you should talk to your GP.

Now some of the more specific questions:

Colin C, Patricia, Trisha – Each of the four UK nations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) manages their cancer screening programmes separately. At the moment only England has made the decision to roll out Bowel Scope screening across the country but Scotland has committed to running a pilot of Bowel Scope screening over the next two years. We have been calling for all the UK nations to introduce Bowel Scope screening and we hope to see Wales and Northern Ireland make plans to run their own pilots as soon as possible so that everyone in the UK can benefit from the test.

Judy – Excellent question. The evidence has shown that Bowel Scope screening is a more effective test than FOBT at detecting and preventing bowel cancer in this age group. But you’re right, it is a more invasive test, and while we think the benefits outweigh the negatives, only you can make the decision whether or not to go for Bowel Scope screening.

Kerry – We’re very sorry to hear you were misdiagnosed for so long. Bowel cancer is extremely rare in younger people and so only those over 55 are offered screening – if younger people were screened, the potential risks would probably outweigh the benefits. But we know that cancer is often very hard to diagnose in younger people because it is so rare, and we need to do more to help promote earlier diagnosis of all cancers, at any age. If people are concerned, whatever age they are, they should see their GP. If you don’t feel your concerns are being heard, you can go to another doctor or go back to the same one to raise the issue again.

Lynn – Bowel cancer includes both cancer of the colon and rectum or back passage. This test can detect cancer and pre-cancerous polyps mainly of the rectum and lower colon.

Susan – We want all patients to get access to the treatments they need. We’re looking at the impact of recent changes to the NHS and the way treatments are provided to make sure cancer patients aren’t missing out.

Thanks again everyone for your interest and interesting queries.

Dan
Cancer Research UK

THIS TEST AND ANY TEST FOR BOWEL PROBLEMS AT ANY AGE, I WAS 74 TWO YEARS AGO AND SENT FOR THE TEST BECAUSE I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITHIN 6 WEEKS I HAD THE FULL WORKS – RESULTS, COLONOSCOPY,CT SCAN MRI SCAN, AND OPERATION FOR DUKES 3 CANCER, i HAVE NEVER KNOWN THE ngs TO WORK SO QUICKLY – THANKS TO NHS AND MY OWN DETERMINATION I HAVE HAD A FURTHER SMALL OPERATION WHICH THIS TIME WAS BENIGN. SO KEEP PLUGGING FOR TESTING ALL AGES FOR THIS TERRIBLE DISEASE

This is extremely good news….having lost a relative despite early diagnosis by the stool test

I was diagnosed at 25 yrs with advanced colo-rectal cancer, with no history of it in my family. It’s great news but there is always exceptions to the rule & that this test should be offered to all family members of sufferers as I never want my daughter to go through what I’ve been through.

This is great news, & long overdue. However it seems to me that there is still a long way to go before every possibility is covered. My daughter was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 23 years old. This was after several years with bowel problems but she was always told she was far to young to have any serious issues. She died when she was 27 years old.
Everybody should have this precautionary test from a much younger age & doctors should be far more open minded.

Is this article saying you won’t be called if you are over 60? I have had the over 60 test and retuned it but it would be far more reassuring if the camera test was available to me?

Bobby died at 52. Why are we screening at 55?

Any action being taken on the Government’s decision to stop Sir spheres treatment for folk suffering from metastatic Bowel/Colon cancers?

My 29 yr old son has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and has been on steroids for 4 years now.He cannot be far from toilet facilities for long periods and this is affecting every aspect of his life….not least of all, his marriage.When he asked the consultant if this was the beginning of bowel cancer he was told they wouldn’t even consider that unless he had been suffering this for 10 yrs……can he get this BSS test, or is he too young?

Lots of positive comments, and agreed with 99pct of them. I have had IBS for as long as I can remember and constant problems with stool and piles. Not concerned but would never say no to a test to detect bowl cancer (or any cancer, Have been having breast screening for last 10 years due to employers health service) for peace of mind. am now 55.

Would this test discover colon cancer?

Hi I am 57 and would love to have the test as I am unlucky in health, still luckey than a lot of people out there, but still ?
How do I get a test sheet please, Please get back to me.

Hi,

My mother and grand father died of bowel cancer. Im 54 and live in London. Can I get one of these tests?

This is great news, but does this also the over 70?

This is excellent news. As always with these initiatives never go far enough. My Dad was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer a couple of years ago and fortunately, after an operation, has made a full recovery. Consequently I asked if I could be screened but apparently as only one person in my family has been diagnosed then I didn’t qualify! I really wish, despite being 10 years away from the qualifying age, that due to my Dad being diagnosed with bowel cancer that I too would be a high risk case and therefore qualify for a screening:(

I had bowel cancer in October 2007 the only symptom I had was constipation I was told by my Doctor there was nothing to worry about I was never offered any tests.Pains started in my stomach while on holiday in Suffork I was rushed to hospital and thanks to a fantastic surgeon my cancer was removed with no ongoing treatment.What a great breakthrough never turn down any tests they will probably save your life I was just lucky.Will I be able to have this test at 70?

Will it happen in Scotland too?

Why isn’t this being offered to younger men? My husbands father died of bowel cancer recently quite suddenly and was gone within three weeks. My husband is just 38 and his GP ridiculously told him he was too young to be tested…nonsense! This cancer can be in the body for 10 years before you even know you have it….you need to be testing the younger generation too, its unfair.

Can you tell me what you are doing to actively encourage the Scottish Government to follow the english government and also what can individuals do to encourage SG to adopt the english NHS approach

My father started with bowel cancer.it was operated and things were going well. Then shadows appeared on his lungs. 2 years later. I attended his funeral. When I have bowel problems in that area, the doctors tell me I am ok. At 54 at the end of the month, I worry but the NHS thinks I shouldn’t.

I have a family history of bowel cancer dad uncle aunt I’m 38 will I be offered any sort of screening any earlier? Fantastic news though

Why is the BSS not offered by the NHS to the over 60s as an alternative to the unpleasant FOBT? Can the BSS be requested privately?

Why can’t the NHS offer BSS for over 60’s as an alternative to the unpleasant FOBT? Can the BSS be obtained privately?

My ex husband died aged 44 of bowl cancer. I would like to think my three children may now be tested before 55 !!??

Many of my family have developed bowel cancer fortunately for me I was offered this procedure and have had it on a regular basis since a very early age. It is nothing to be worried about or feel embarrassed about it gives you peace of mind.

ONE of the symptoms of Bowel cancer is blood in or on your stools, if you have that go to the doc and ask for a test. Note _ piles gives you brighter red.

I live in Coventry and have been screened for years now, I know someone who actually had Bowel Cancer, without this test, he might not have survived. Pioneered in St Cross, Rugby, this is excellent news that it is being done elsewhere. Very easy to do, they provide an envelope for you to send sample back to them. I did mine the other week and it came back with a nice letter very quickly, brilliant work they do.

I am over 70, will we be allowed to have the test.

This is exiting news as some about 15 years ago I was to find 6 parts acult blood in my stool test and then had an endoscope examination finding a polyp that was just changing from malignant to benign and removed in the knick of time ? And I’m here today to testify to this finding so anyone who reads this please don’t let your pride stop you from being checked over and saving any further problems in this area!

This is great but what about younger people… I’m 33 and was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2012… I had been treated for IBS for 3 years.. I was told the misdiagnosis was because of my age… Young people suffer from bowel cancer too.

Can you explain why the FOBT screening is not extended down to 55 yr olds.Is it not as effective as BSS or more expensive?
I would have thought it was less invasive.

Wonderful news. Catching cancer in its early stages benefits all and hopefully reduces suffering and the costs of treatment. Am particularly interested in this test – am 67 and there is a history of bowel cancer in my mother’s family. Wonder whether I and other family members are eligible for such a test.
can

I’ve had regular colonoscopy checks due to family history. Well work having done for the peace of mind it gives me. I’ve had polys removed which have fortunately proved to be cancer free. My brother was lucky in that his cancer was found early, during one of these check ups. Great outcome for us. He’s fine, fortunately. Keep up the good work!

Recuperating at home following surgery 2 weeks ago. No symptoms, very healthy but screening picked up signs confirmed by ‘scope and subsequent scans showed found relatively early. Hopeful no further treatment will be needed.
Some shocked friends admitted to binning test kit when received by post. My wife found to have breast cancer 4 years ago through screening and she’s going strong having also been picked up early. Any form of screening is a no brainer!!!

This is an excellent idea,I would take advantage of any test offered to me regarding this dreadful disease.However as i am almost 75 I guess I will be exempt.The good outcome is that my children and grandchildren will hopefully benefit.having already lost my 39 year old daughter to ovarian cancer.

My husband did the Bowel Screen Test May 2011 and subsequently he had a scope which was attempted without success. A second scope was carried out which showed no problems in his bowel, but before this he had a scan for his bowel. The scan showed symptoms which proved to be very early Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He has been successfully treated with mild chemotherapy and is now on a maintenance treatment which is a cancer trial funded by Cancer Research. Without the Bowel Cancer Screening test this cancer would not have been discovered until he had actual symptoms of lymphoma in his kidney and could have lost a kidney as a result. So my husband has benefited from the Bowel Cancer Screening in an unexpected but very beneficial way.

I too would like to know if at the age of 67, I can request this test and be given it locally?

Great – what if I’m younger (50) but have a history of bowel cancer in my family (father died @ 71 & brother @ 41) ?

If see bloods in your stools can you ask for a screen test or need to wait until the specified age?

Why is it just available in England when we are the UK . . . . . .

Excellent news re bowel Cancer. I am 55 this June. Will I be called to have the screen? My husband is 57, when will he be called for?

As far as I’m concerned the sooner the better. I would like to know where the pilot areas are. I already participate in the FOBT screening programme. I welcome this news.

What exactly are the symptoms of bowel cancer? Nobody ever seems to spell it out.

not before time But what about over 70s who are in good health .wIll we be called for this test or like breast screening deemed to be past it

Think this is excellent news regarding the fight against bowel cancer Hope the test becomes available nationwide as soon as posible

What happens if you are already 55? My husband and I are 57 and don’t particularly want to wait for the existing screening programme. Will be be called for the new test?