Bowel Screening - why it's important
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is the first Cancer Screening programme open to men and women. By the end of 2011 all eligible members of the population should be invited for screening.
About one in twenty people in the UK will develop bowel cancer during their lifetime. It is the third most common cancer in the UK and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths with over 16,000 people dying from it each year.
Regular bowel screening has been shown to reduce the risk of dying from bowel cancer by 16%. If bowel cancer is detected at the earliest stage there is over a 90% chance of survival.
Who is eligible?
Bowel Cancer Screening is available free to men and women aged 60-69 who are registered with an NHS doctor.
If you are over 70 and would like to request a screening test you can opt into the programme by calling Freephone 0800 707 6060.
How does it work?
You will receive a letter inviting you to take part every two years. This will be followed by a test kit that you carry out in the privacy of your own home. You return the kit in a prepaid envelope to a Screening Laboratory Hub in Gateshead and your results are then sent back to you by first class post within two weeks.
What do the results mean?
A normal result means no further tests are required and you will be invited to take part in screening again in two years. About 98 out of 100 tests will be normal
If you have an unclear result you will be sent a further kit.
If you have an abnormal result, this is one where blood, unseen to the naked eye, is found in the sample it DOES NOT mean a diagnosis of cancer. However it does mean further investigations need to be carried out so you will be invited to attend a Specialist Nurse Led Screening Clinic. At the clinic the nurse will carry out an assessment and, if appropriate, a Colonoscopy will be offered. A Colonoscopy is the diagnostic test used to look at the reason for the positive result.
Where are the Specialist Nurse Led Screening Clinics held?
There are two clinics held in the Wakefield and North Kirklees area, one at Pontefract Health Centre and one at Dewsbury Health Centre. You can attend the one that is most convenient for you.
More information
If you would like further information about the Bowel Screening programme, please call:
Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Office
Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Calderdale Royal Hospital
Telephone: 01422 224312
