Screening for colorectal cancer

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A screening test aims to detect a disease before it has caused symptoms and when treatment is likely to be curative. Potential screening tests for colorectal cancer include a faecal occult blood test, a colonoscopy, or a sigmoidoscopy. Newer tests such as a DNA test of cells in faeces are being developed. The test used, and how often it should be done, depends on various factors. Whatever test is used, the aim is to detect bowel polyps or early cancer in 'high risk' people because:

If a polyp is found it can usually be removed easily during a colonoscopy.
The outlook is good if colorectal cancer is detected and treated in an early stage.

People who may be offered routine screening for colorectal cancer include:

Close relatives of people who developed colorectal cancer before the age of 45-50, or members of families where colorectal cancer is common in the family.
Close relatives of people with hereditary conditions which may lead to colorectal cancer.
People who have already had a previous colorectal cancer (which has been treated).
Older people. Research studies have concluded all older people should be screened. In the UK a national 'Bowel Cancer Screening Programme' will be phased in from April 2006. Men and women aged 60-69 will be invited to take part in screening every two years. The screening test used will be a faecal occult blood test (described above).

Further help and information

Bowel Cancer UK
7 Rickett Street, London, SW6 1RU
Tel: 08708 50 60 50 (Bowel Cancer Advisory Service) Web: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Bowel Cancer UK, formerly known as Colon Cancer Concern is dedicated to raising awareness, improving the quality of life of those affected and ultimately, reducing deaths from bowel cancer.

CancerBACUP
3 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3JR
Tel: 0808 800 1234 Web: www.cancerbacup.org.uk
Provides information and support to anyone affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK
Their website www.cancerhelp.org.uk provides facts about cancer including treatment choices.

NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Web: www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel/

Other support groups See Cancer Support Groups for a list of self help and support groups for cancer patients.

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