Peartree Medical CentreBowel cancer screening is offered every 2 years to men and women aged 60 to 74. People older than this can ask for a screening kit every 2 years by calling the free helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
We want to be sure that no patients have missed their screening due to the impact of the pandemic or because they are unsure of the procedure itself. Patients can have a discussion with our Health Care Assistant on the telephone and she will answer any questions that patients may have. Patients should contact the surgery in the normal way to request this.
A new test kit called the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) was introduced in England in June 2019. This kit is now sent with all invitations for bowel cancer screening.
People eligible for bowel cancer screening get an invitation letter, along with an information leaflet explaining screening and its possible benefits and risks. For more information, please visit gov.uk: Bowel cancer screening – benefits and risks.
About a week later, the programme sends a FIT kit with instructions on how to use it at home. Results are sent out 2 weeks after the laboratory receives the completed kit.
The screening programme offers individuals with an abnormal screening result a colonoscopy.
Your doctor strongly recommends this test so that we can detect any unwelcome deterioration in your health at an early stage. The chances of a successful treatment are improved if the cancer is detected early. It is a test that can be done in the privacy of your home and whilst patients may find it unpleasant, it will tell clinicians if there is anything warranting further investigation. Knowing your risk may save your life.
A link to this article has been sent to all our unscreened patients in the target group.