Liverpool City Council welcomes the news that thousands more residents will now receive home-testing kits that can help detect early signs of bowel cancer.
The NHS bowel cancer screening programme has recently expanded to include people aged 50 and over.
Previously screening began for anyone aged 60.
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Liverpool, and it is often diagnosed too late. Early detection through screening and being alert to symptoms can dramatically improve treatment outcomes.
Now, those aged 50+ will automatically be sent a free home test kit, known as the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) every two years.
The test checks for hidden blood in a small stool sample which is a possible sign of bowel cancer.
Participants will receive an invitation letter with full instructions for the test which is quick and easy to use.
The kit contains return packaging and results are sent back by post, along with guidance on next steps if further tests are needed.
Regardless of age, anyone experiencing symptoms should speak to their GP don’t wait for your screening kit.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Tummy discomfort or pain
- Blood in faeces
- Diarrhoea or constipation with no obvious cause
- A feeling of not fully emptying your bowels
- Pale or loose stools
- Unexplained weight loss
People aged 75+ can request a kit by calling the NHS bowel screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
More information is available at: Bowel cancer screening – NHS
Liverpool resident, Dr Natalie O’Tham, was sent a lifesaving screening kit when she was 54. She said:
“I was surprised to receive the screening test in the post. The kit came with easy-to-follow instructions to hygienically take a sample and return it in the post.
“I had never been ill with anything and had no symptoms of bowel cancer, so I was shocked when I found out that I needed a follow up which confirmed the cancer diagnosis. I told my daughter, and we shared a few tears.
“I had a further MRI test to assess the cancer stage and thankfully it was an early stage when it was treatable. It was a huge relief when the consultant confirmed that the cancer had not spread.
“I’m now recovering well, and I’ve been walking the dog regularly to build my stamina back up. I’m looking forward to going back to work in a few weeks.”
Natalie has some advice for everyone who receives a bowel screening kit:
“Just get on and do it! I had no symptoms and could never have known I had cancer. Looking back, it feels surreal that I had cancer for 6 weeks and now it’s gone. I feel very lucky”.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“Extending bowel screening to more people across Liverpool will offer peace of mind to many and increase the chances of catching cancer earlier when it’s far more treatable.
“It also supports our wider ambition to help residents live longer, healthier lives and reduce projected rises in cancer rates.”
Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council said:
“We know that early detection saves lives, so we fully welcome this expansion of the screening programme. It’s also vital that people stay alert to the symptoms of bowel cancer whatever your age or eligibility and speak to their GP if something doesn’t feel right.”
