Bowel cancer screening - do you think it’s worth participating?

I have just been informed the usual bowel cancer screening tests are on their way by post.

I was quite surprised, what with the NHS’s backlog with other work.

A bit unpleasant, but a worthwhile test I think.

Do you think it’s worth participating?

1 Like

Definitely have it Mups, not only will the result give you peace of mind, they can also identify if there is something suspicious that may need investigating and could save your life.

I have done the test on two occasions and both came back clear .

Definitely.

Over 100 new cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed every day in the UK but, as with many types of cancer, it is often curable if caught early enough.
I know it isn’t nice but it’s better to play safe.

Yes definitely, it’s worthwhile…and the actual test is easier now, I’ve had about 3 tests , puts your mind at rest

Please go ahead, Mups. As indicated in an earlier post, the new test is much simpler than the original one.

Certainly.

My next colonoscopy test has been postponed for a while because of Covid but it’s best to have it done despite the wait.

Hi

Yep, have it done.

I had it done when I was in hospital over Christmas.

It was the only one which came back normal.

Do you think it’s worth participating?

Always Mups…:slight_smile:
How I wish the ‘routine’ test had been available to my niece’s husband in his 40’s, he went from fit and healthy to dead in 9 months leaving a wife and 3 sons.

He had a particularly virulent kind of bowel cancer that spread to his liver/lungs/bones at speed . It was easily detectable,if only he hadn’t dismissed a little problem as hemorrhoids and sought an early diagnosis, he would almost certainly be here now.

I used to do it regularly but they stopped sending me a kit. In Scotland there is a cut off point if you are over a certain age. Don’t know if it is the same in England.

I am 100% certain it is a worthwhile test and I recommend you submit the samples as soon as you can. If anything unexpected is highlighted you will be offered a colonoscopy and maybe even a gastroscopy whilst on the table as with my experience. Both scopes and biopsies were clear, so a great weight was lifted and 2&1/2yrs later on I’ll still happy with the way the NHS sped my scope observations through. I’m soon due to receive the test strips again and I’ll be delighted to post them off :yes: :thumbup:

Yes Mups, you go for it and be thankful our NHS is diligent with any follow-ups, even if its another strip test just to be sure because the 1st lot were inconclusive :smiley:

I’ve just found this on the NHS website:
Currently bowel cancer screening is offered to people of all genders from the age of 60, with invitations automatically continuing every two years until they reach the age of 75. After reaching 75 people can ask for a screening kit, every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.

V and I have been doing this test since we turned 60 and every one has come back clear. As Last Tango says the new test is far easier than the old one.

Thanks Percy Vere. I was not aware of that.

Definitely!

I think this type of screening is done by specialist NHS laboratories, Mups, not the ones that handle run-of-the-mill routine work.

Hi

It is just a fact of life, nothing to be worired about at all.

If you are in ITU you you have no dignity left at all.

It is no great shakes and could save your life.

I had to laugth at Ruthio and Surfermom talking about their Colonoscopy…

The first thing they found on mine was a piece of shrapnel, the second thing was a bullet.

I really fancied one of the nurses, but after that asking her for a date was a no no. :blush:

Thank you for your opinions everyone, and yes, as I said in the beginning, I will do it as i think it a worthwhile test.
I was mainly interested in what others think about doing the test though.
Percy is correct about the tests stop at 75 unless you apply for yourself after that age. I remember seeing that on my results letter a couple of years ago.

They stop the mammograms a bit younger than that I believe. Is it 70?

We are lucky to have these free tests available to us.

Mrs Fox and me have just done our tests Mups and they both came back clear…Such a weight off our minds…But it took a while to get it off the bathroom wall…:shock:

the new tests are more sensitive so they are really worth doing.

Dirty boy! :wink:

Glad you were both OK, Foxy.

I guess it should arrive shortly, Annie, as the said within a couple of weeks and that was early last week.

I wonder why they write to you to tell you it’s coming?
Don’t understand that. :confused: