'Go for it' say participants of Colorectal Screening pilot

This month marks the first anniversary of the NHS Colorectal (bowel) Cancer Screening Pilot in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Over 110,000 home testing kits have been distributed by the Rugby-based pilot site to local men and women aged between 50-69 years of age.

Roger Dungworth from Sheepy Magna, near Atherstone, Warwickshire is one of the 67,000 people to have returned a home testing kit:

"I am so pleased that I was invited to join the pilot. I was given the all clear when I was screened for colorectal cancer privately three years ago. You can imagine my shock when the results of the home testing kit proved positive. This took some time to take in as I thought that the results would confirm that I was extremely fit and healthy."

"The staff at the Hospital of St Cross were very supportive and explained the possible causes for a positive result in a way that was clear and easy to understand. They arranged for me to have a colonoscopy at the George Elliott Hospital and the colonoscopy revealed two polyps which were removed during the process."

"I hope that people who are invited to join the pilot in its second year accept their invitation as they too could be under the impression that they are completely fit and healthy and totally unaware that they have polyps which could lead to the development of colorectal cancer."

Ian Mears from Coventry thinks that local people should "go for it" and complete the home testing kit:

"When I received the invitation to take part in the pilot, I just knew that I had to complete the home testing kit. The results of the test showed the need for further investigation so I went for a colonoscopy at Walsgrave hospital."

"You could have knocked me down with a feather when the surgeon told me that I had cancer, I had absolutely no idea. I am currently half way through my 30 week chemotherapy sessions and am extremely grateful to have been invited to take part in the pilot as it has most probably saved my life."

Mr Lock from Bearley, Stratford upon Avon, also hopes that local people continue to accept invitations to take part in the pilot:

"Both my wife and I were invited to take part in the pilot. We decided to complete the home testing kit. My wife was given the all clear but I was called back for further tests. The results of these tests showed that I had two polyps. The first polyp was removed during the colonoscopy. The second was removed during an operation where they had to remove part of my bowel."

"After the operation my consultant explained to me that the polyp was just beginning to turn cancerous. I think that the pilot is excellent and would encourage anybody who is invited to take part in the pilots second year to go for it as they too might have a polyp which is about to turn cancerous."

Pat Ramsell, lead colorectal screening nurse 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 cancer screening will not detect every cancer and can't guarantee you won't get cancer, but if an early cancer is found it reduces your risk of dying from it. I would therefore encourage everyone who receives a kit to complete it."

For further information about the pilot please contact the Screening Unit helpline on 01788 545 161.

For further media information, including interviews with Roger Dungworth, Ian Mears and Mr Lock, please contact the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes press office on 020 7400 4499.

For further information about the colorectal screening pilot, please contact Pat Ramsell, Colorectal Screening Unit, Withybrook Wing, Hospital of St Cross, Barby Road, Rugby, CV22 5PX, tel 01788 545 166

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. Patients (aged 50 - 69) registered with GP practices in the Coventry and Warwickshire area 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.