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Home > Services > Bowel Cancer Screening > FAQ's about Bowel Cancer Screening FAQ's about Bowel Cancer Screening |
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Frequently asked questions
1. Why is a bowel cancer screening programme being introduced? Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Research has shown that screening men and women for bowel cancer using a guaiac based Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) test can reduce the mortality rate from bowel cancer by 16 per cent in those invited for screening . The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is being phased in following the results of successful pilot studies in Coventry, North Warwickshire and Scotland.
2. How can people take part in bowel cancer screening? The programme is being phased in across England. The first invitations were sent out in July 2006. Men and women aged 60 to 69, and registered with a GP, will be offered an FOB test every two years. Those aged 70 and over will not be invited automatically, but are encouraged to request a test kit. Anyone concerned about their health, or their risk of developing bowel cancer, should contact their GP.
3. Will lives be saved by bowel cancer screening? Research has shown that screening men and women for bowel cancer using Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) testing can reduce the mortality rate from bowel cancer by 16 per cent in those invited for screening. Nationally, screening for bowel cancer could save hundreds of lives a year.
4. Who is eligible for bowel cancer screening? Men and women aged 60 to 69, and registered with a GP, will be automatically offered an FOB test every two years. Those aged 70 and over will not be invited automatically but are encouraged to request a test kit.
5. Why invite men and women aged between 60 and 69? The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme aims to invite the optimal group of men and women who will benefit most from a population-based screening programme. The risk of bowel cancer increases with age, with 80 per cent of bowel cancers arising in people who are 60 or over. Findings from the English Bowel Cancer Screening Pilot also showed that people in their 60s are more likely to accept their invitation for bowel cancer screening. From 2010, the bowel screening programme will be extended for people aged 70 to 75 years. As a result, around one million more men and women will be screened each year.
6. When will bowel cancer screening be available across the country? The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is being phased in over three years, which started in July 2006. There are currently 21 Screening Centres. Eventually there will be approximately 90 -100 screening centres across the country administered from five regional programme hubs.
7. What information is available about the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme? All men and women who receive an invitation will also receive a leaflet entitled "Bowel Cancer Screening - The Facts" developed by Cancer Research UK. This leaflet explains bowel cancer screening and the benefits and limitations of the test, and supports men and women in making an informed decision about whether or not to take up the opportunity of screening. A freephone helpline, 0800 707 60 60, provides additional support to those taking up the offer of bowel cancer screening. Information on the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is also available from www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk
The test
8. What is a Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) test? The FOB test kit is used to collect small samples from bowel motions which are then analysed to detect traces of blood that may not be visible to the naked eye.
9. Does the test kit diagnose cancer? No. The FOB test is not a diagnostic test for cancer. Results will, however, indicate whether further investigation is required.
10. What is involved in completing the test? Those eligible for screening will receive a kit for use in the privacy of their home. Small samples from three separate bowel motions are collected and, using the cardboard sticks provided, spread onto the 'windows' of the test kit card. The test kit is then posted back to the laboratory, in a specially designed prepaid envelope, within two weeks (14 days) of the first sample being taken.
11. What happens after the kit has been sent back? The test kit is processed and results issued by post within two weeks (14 days) of the date of receipt by the laboratory.
12. What quality assurance is in place? The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme has stringent quality assurance guidelines. As part of this, every FOB test kit is uniquely bar coded. Before the test kits are sent out, the bar codes are linked with individual records on the national call and recall system. This means that when the test kit is returned it is clearly identifiable as belonging to a specific individual.
13. How can test kits be requested? Men and women aged 60 to 69 will automatically be offered an FOB test every two years (in areas where the programme has been rolled out). Those aged 70 and over will not be invited automatically but can request a test kit by calling the freephone helpline number 0800 707 60 60 as bowel cancer screening is introduced in their area. People under the age of 60 are not eligible for screening as part of the programme, however, if anyone is concerned about their health, they should seek advice from their GP.
14. Will GPs know that their patients are being tested and what their results are? GPs are not directly involved in the delivery of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. GPs will, however, be notified when invitations for bowel cancer screening are being sent out in their area. They will also receive a copy of the results letters sent to their patients. A freephone helpline (0800 707 60 60) has been set up to provide additional support to those taking up the offer of bowel cancer screening.
15. Will people be reminded if they forget to return their kit? Anyone who does not wish to participate in the programme can decline the offer of screening by contacting the programme hub following receipt of their invitation. If a person who has not declined screening does not return their test kit, a reminder will be sent to them around four weeks from when their kit was despatched.
Bowel Cancer 16. How does bowel cancer develop? Bowel cancer is also known as colon, rectal or colorectal cancer. The lining of the bowel is made up of cells that are constantly being renewed. Sometimes these cells grow too quickly, forming a clump of cells, known as a bowel polyp. Polyps are not bowel cancers but they can develop into cancer over a number of years. Bowel cancer can develop in any part of the large bowel, including the colon and rectum.
17. Who is at risk from bowel cancer? Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK. The biggest single risk factor for bowel cancer is age, and eight out of ten people who get bowel cancer are over the age of 60. Diet, lifestyle and family history can also affect a person's chances of developing bowel cancer.
Anyone concerned about their health, or their risk of developing bowel cancer, should contact their GP.
Bowel Cancer Screening Freephone helpline: 0800 707 60 60
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Last updated: 23 October, 2007
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