Bowel Cancer Screening
In the last 10 months, 14 of our patients have been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Of these 14 patients, three patients were picked up via the National Bowel Cancer Screening programme.
Who should get bowel cancer screening?
It is offered to everyone aged 54-74 every two years. Gradually, the programme is expanding to offer screening to everyone aged 50 and over.
People aged 75 over and can ask for a screening kit every two years by calling the free helpline on 0800 707 6060.
How does bowel cancer screening work?
Bowel cancer screening is a test you do at home. The screening looks for cancer anywhere in the large bowel.
The test looks for tiny amounts of blood in your poo. Your result is usually available within two weeks and will arrive by letter.
For instructions about how to collect your sample, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/
If blood is found, then you will be offered further tests.
Over the past 10 months, our studies show that most patients were referred for further investigations very quickly:
- No patient had more than one face-to-face appointment with their GP before they were referred
- The longest time from GP appointment to diagnosis was 25 days
If you have a negative result, please continue to be vigilant for symptoms of bowel cancer.
Main symptoms of bowel cancer
Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:
- changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- bleeding from your bottom
- often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- tummy pain
- a lump in your tummy
- bloating
- losing weight without trying
- feeling very tired for no reason
- Bowel cancer can cause anaemia (when you have fewer red blood cells than usual), which can make you feel very tired, short of breath and have headaches