The NHS is sending home test kits to those aged 50 and 52 to detect bowel cancer early
East Lancashire: The NHS is rolling out a new bowel cancer screening program for folks aged 50 and over. This is a big deal because it could help catch cancer early, saving lives across England.
If you’re 50 or 52, expect a home test kit every two years. This is part of the final phase to screen everyone aged 50 to 74. It means about 850,000 more people will be eligible for testing each year.
Since 2021, the NHS has sent out over four million invites. The test, called the faecal immunochemical test (FIT), checks for blood in a stool sample, which can be a sign of bowel cancer.
Sadly, less than 60% of people aged 54 to 57 have taken the test when offered. The NHS is really pushing for more people to take advantage of this lifesaving opportunity.
Steve Russell, the national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, emphasized that catching cancer early can save lives. He encourages everyone to take the test, even if it’s not on your mind as the new year rolls in.
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in England, and early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Just ask Stephen Gates, a 56-year-old who was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer after returning his FIT kit this summer.
He felt lucky that his cancer was caught early, thanks to the simple test. The NHS estimates that about 2 out of every 100 people using the kit will need further testing.
The FIT kit is already available for those aged 54 to 74, and if you’re 75 or older, you can request one by calling the NHS helpline.
Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne praised the expansion of the screening program, highlighting its life-saving potential. Since introducing the FIT kit in 2019, the NHS has seen more people returning their tests.
This new kit is easier to use than previous tests, requiring just one sample that you can send back in a sealed bottle. Dr. Lisa Wilde from Bowel Cancer UK stressed the importance of completing the test to catch the disease early.
If you notice any symptoms like discomfort, blood in your stool, or changes in bowel habits, it’s crucial to contact your GP right away.
