There is good evidence from randomized clinical trials that bowel cancer screening using faecal occult blood (tests for hidden or occult blood in stool) saves lives, and equates to a 15-18% reduction in deaths in the group who underwent procedure.
The NHS bowel cancer screening programme was launched in an attempt to reduce the overall deaths from colorectal cancer by identifying the early stages of the disease that can either be prevented or cured surgically.
Once fully implemented, the country will consist of 5 regional hubs which will be responsible for sending out kits, analysing the samples and despatching the results by post to patients. Each of the five hubs will oversee up to 10 screening centres.
The screening centres will run regular specialist nurse clinics and are also charged with performing colonoscopy in patients who test positive. At the nurse clinics it is carefully explained that a positive test does not necessarily mean that one has bowel cancer, rather it indicates that there is blood in the stool and further examination of the bowel with a fibre optic camera (colonoscopy) is required. The colonoscopy examination is performed by experts who have been specially accredited by the National Joint Advisory Group for Endoscopy (JAG) to perform the procedure with little or no patient discomfort or complications.
All males and females between the ages 60-69 years who are registered with a general practitioner will automatically receive a letter of invitation from their Hub Director. Those above 69 years of age can opt into the programme by contacting their Hub directly on a free phone number.
People within the programme are sent a bowel cancer screening kit which is self explanatory on how to use the kit in the privacy of your home and return the completed test in the enclosed addressed and stamped envelope that comes with the invitation pack.
Bowel cancer screening provides a unique opportunity to prevent the disease developing and to improve prognosis by treating the pre-malignant or early stages of the condition.
