Bowel cancer tests by post

Highland residents will receive sample kits in move that could save lives

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MESSAGE ACROSS: At the bowel screening programme launch are health board chairman Garry Coutts left, and lead clinician for bowel surgery at Raigmore Hospital, Jim Docherty. David Whittaker-Smith

A mailshot beginning today across the Highlands and Argyll and Bute might make unpleasant reading, but could contribute to saving at least 150 lives in Scotland each year.

The health region is the last to join a national bowel screening programme aimed at the 50 to 74 age group.

All 98,000 people in the age range within the health board area will receive special kits in the post over the coming months.

They offer recipients the opportunity to test for hidden blood in their bowel motions which may suggest a higher chance of bowel cancer.

The procedure involves using a small spatula to smear samples on to a card, three times over the space of 10 days and then posting the kit back to the health board.

Health officials say around 90% of people will have a negative result. And even a positive result which signifies blood in samples may not mean evidence of cancer, but will allow further investigation.

Around 3,400 new cases of the disease are diagnosed annually in Scotland. Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in Scotland. It claims more than 1,500 lives each year.

NHS Scotland says its evidence suggests that the simple test will save around 150 lives per year.

Living testament to the success of early diagnosis, Ann MacDonald, 59, of Wellside Lane, Inverness, told yesterday how speedy intervention two years ago had allowed her to continue a full and active life.

The mother-of-two, now glowing with good health, was cured within three months of surgery to remove a tumour.

She said: “I was very lucky. I spotted it and I eventually acted upon it.

“I have a great life. I have a very full life.

“I maybe wouldn’t have had that if I hadn’t acted.

“So, I am in full support of bowel screening and I’m willing to speak with anyone who would like to know how it is to cope.”

The symptoms of bowel cancer include repeated bleeding from the bottom or blood in bowel motions, a recent change in bowel habit that continues daily for more than six weeks without reverting to normal, severe stomach pains after eating and recent unintentional weight loss. Such symptoms can be caused by several conditions, including cancer. But health officials say people with any of them should see their GP even if they have participated in the screening programme.