The Urgency of Early Detection: Bowel Cancer and the Importance of NHS Screening
In the fight against bowel cancer, early detection stands as one of the most crucial strategies for increasing survival rates and simplifying treatment options. Yet, despite the well-known benefits of early medical intervention, a concerning number of individuals delay seeking help for alarming symptoms, potentially transforming a treatable condition into something far more severe.
It is reported that 1 in 17 men and 1 in 20 women will develop bowel cancer during their lifetime. Cancer Research UK estimates that about half of all cases are preventable with 1 in 10 bowel cancers are caused by being overweight, 1 in 3 by eating a diet too low in fibre, 1 in 16 by drinking alcohol and 1 in 8 by consuming too much processed meat such as ham, sausages, salami and bacon.
Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
According to the NHS website on bowel cancer the following list are markers of signs of bowel cancer that should not be ignored.
- changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
- needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
- blood in your poo, which may look red or black
- bleeding from your bottom
- often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
- tummy pain
- a lump in your tummy
- bloating
- losing weight without trying
- feeling very tired for no reason
Everyone’s advice appears to be see your GP, don’t wait for six months which is the usual delay most people do. Don’t ignore the symptoms.
The Impact of Delayed Bowel Cancer Diagnosis
Research by Bowel Cancer UK indicates that some people wait as long as six months before consulting their GP about concerning bowel symptoms. This delay can be attributed to various factors, including difficulty securing an appointment, lack of awareness about symptom significance, and often, feelings of embarrassment or anxiety about the diagnostic procedures involved. However, this hesitation can significantly complicate treatment outcomes and reduce the chances of a cure.
NHS Screening and Early Intervention
The NHS provides a bowel cancer screening programme that plays a vital role in early detection. Currently, the programme invites individuals between the ages of 50 and 74 to participate in regular screening using the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which detects traces of blood in stool—a potential early sign of bowel cancer. This simple home test is a crucial tool for identifying cancer at an early stage, where treatment is more likely to be successful.
Understanding the Screening Process
Participating in the NHS screening is straightforward and can be life-saving. The FIT kit is used at home and returned by mail for analysis. For those who test positive, further investigation typically involves a colonoscopy to examine the inner lining of the bowel and confirm the diagnosis. Despite common misconceptions, the procedures for diagnosing bowel cancer, including colonoscopies, are highly advanced and less discomforting than many anticipate.
The Statistics Speak: Early Detection Saves Lives
Statistical evidence supports the effectiveness of early detection. According to Cancer Research UK, the five-year survival rate for bowel cancer detected at the earliest stage can be as high as 90%, compared to only 10% at advanced stages. Moreover, the NHS screening programme often finds that abnormalities detected are non-cancerous, such as small polyps or minor issues that require little to no further treatment, reassuring the majority of participants.
Encouraging Prompt Action
The new awareness campaign by Bowel Cancer UK, “Tell Your GP Instead,” encourages everyone, especially those experiencing potential symptoms of bowel cancer, to contact their doctor without delay. Symptoms to watch for include bleeding from the rectum, unexplained and persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Recognizing and reporting these symptoms early can be a decisive factor in effective treatment and survival.
Expanding Eligibility and Access
While the current eligibility for NHS screening encompasses a specific age group, there are ongoing discussions about expanding these criteria to include wider demographics, ensuring more comprehensive coverage. Additionally, individuals over 75 in England and Scotland can request ongoing screening, highlighting the importance of vigilance at all ages.
Summary of Bowel Cancer Diagnosis
Understanding the symptoms of bowel cancer and participating in NHS screening programmes are fundamental steps in combating this disease. Early detection not only significantly improves survival rates but also reduces the need for more aggressive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. As such, familiarizing oneself with the symptoms, taking part in screening when eligible, and promptly reporting any concerns to a GP can dramatically alter the course of one’s health journey.
For more information on bowel cancer symptoms and the “Tell Your GP Instead” campaign, visit [Bowel Cancer UK’s website]
By advocating for awareness and proactive health management, we can collectively improve outcomes and save lives through early detection and treatment of bowel cancer.
Did the doctors fail to pick up your bowel cancer?
You did everything right, went for your bowel screening or spotted the classic symptoms of possible bowel cancer but was given the all clear. Doctors do make mistakes and it it’s important you obtain specialist legal advice to establish if the delay by the doctors to spot the signs of your bowel cancer could have caused you harm. If that is the case, the delay in the detection of your bowel cancer could result in significant compensation for you in respect of the pain and suffering you may experience in addition to psychological harm.
For more information to see if you can claim click on this link to find out more: failure to spot bowel cancer .
Further reading on delayed diagnosis of cancer please see the following links:
