Bowel Cancer Awareness Month: Spotlight on Screening
April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. In 2006, our Trust became one of the first hospitals in the country to introduce the national screening programme.
Sue Mapes, Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Manager, said: “The screening process is simple and easy to complete. You’ll receive a test kit in the post, which you use to collect a small sample of poo which is sent to our hub in Nottingham for analysis.”
The test kit process now only requires a single sample, making it easier to complete than the previous three window test kit. The screening age range has been lowered from 60-74 to 50-74 over the past four years, with test kits sent out every two years. If you need help with the test kit, there’s a national helpline available by calling 0800 707 6060.
If blood is detected in the sample, the participant will be referred for a colonoscopy.
“Before any colonoscopy takes place, patients have a pre-assessment with a specialist screening practitioner to make sure it’s the right procedure for the individual.”
“The colonoscopy involves inserting a camera through the rectum to examine the large bowel. Polyps are removed during the procedure, and biopsies are taken if cancer is suspected. During the colonoscopy, less than 10% of those screened will be found to have bowel cancer and are referred on to the colorectal team at their local hospital. Over 50% of colonoscopies will detect polyps, small growths in the bowel, which are removed during the procedure to prevent cancer development. For those unsuitable for a colonoscopy, a CT virtual colonoscopy may be advised.”
Sue added: “Since its inception in 2006, the screening programme has had a significant positive impact on bowel cancer detection rates. However, if you have symptoms, please visit your GP rather than wait for your screening test. Key symptoms to watch for include blood in stools, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain.”