Frequently asked questions about bowel cancer screening

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.

 

Why invite men and women aged between 60 and 74?

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.

 

 

 Is Bowel Cancer Screening available to everyone in the country?

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme has been phased in over three years, which started in July 2006. It now covers the whole of the UK. There are currently 54 Screening Centres which are administered from 5 regional programme hubs.

 

 

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.  Information on the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is also available from www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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 dispatched.

 

 

 

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