English Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot: 10,000 people say yes!

The NHS Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot has received the 10,000th completed kit for testing today. The Rugby-based pilot, launched last September, has been distributing home testing kits to local men and women aged between 50-69 years of age to test for early signs of colorectal (bowel) cancer. So far the response from the public has been extremely positive.

During this two-year pilot, patients registered with GP practices in the Coventry and North Warwickshire areas are being sent a simple non-invasive test that can be completed at home, and returned by post. If the test picks up any abnormalities, individuals will be contacted and offered further investigation and, if necessary, treatment. Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer can significantly improve prognosis, and make treatment simpler and more effective.

Sue Elwell, Project Manager says:

"We are extremely pleased with the response we have had. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK. Picking up and treating a cancer before the symptoms start to show gives people a much better chance of surviving. Colorectal screening can't guarantee you won't get cancer, but it reduces your risk of dying from it. I would therefore encourage everyone who receives a kit to complete it."

If anyone would like any further information about the pilot then please contact the Screening Unit helpline on 01788 545 161.

For further information, please contact Sue Elwell, Colorectal Screening Unit, Withybrook Wing, Hospital of St Cross, Barby Road, Rugby, CV22 5PX, tel 01788 545 166 or Rachel Zaldua, Communications Specialist, Coventry Health Authority, Tel 024 7624 6083.

Notes to Editors

1. Colorectal (bowel) cancer accounts for some 17,000 deaths a year in the UK, with over 34,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed annually. Incidence of colorectal cancer increases with age. Over 95 per cent of bowel cancers occur in people aged 50 and over.

2. From September 2000 - September 2002, over 172,000 men and women aged between 50 and 69 who are registered with a GP in Coventry and North Warwickshire will be invited to participate in the NHS Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot.