Screening for bowel cancer
So I hope that embarrassment, or even trepidation, will not prevent anyone from taking part in the new national screening test for bowel cancer just announced. This involves an instrument called a .
It is a long thin tube which has a tiny camera, lights and even tools on it. Inserted in the bottom, it allows medical staff to have a look at the lower part of the bowel. They can remove any pre-cancerous growths. About 75% of bowel cancers are detectable this way.
The government announcement follows the earlier this year. 40,000 people aged 55-64 had the test and were followed up for 11 years. The incidence of bowel cancer was cut by 33% and the death rate by 43% compared to a control group who were not screened.
The screening programme will take five years to be rolled out across England, but by the end of that time all adults aged 55-64 are likely to be offered the one-off test.
There were a few nervous looks in the newsroom when my report on what the test involves went out on TV. So I'm here to reassure you from personal experience. I had a "flexi-sig" more than a decade ago. It did not hurt, but ok, it was a bit embarrassing. I seem to remember at least one medical student being present, but hey, they have to learn somehow. So if you are offered the test, talk it through with your doctor. But don't let embarrassment prevent you from having a procedure which could save your life.
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