Almost nine out of ten people survive bowel cancer when it is
detected and treated earlier on.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan is urging people to use their kit
when it arrives in the post.
“Even in the early stages of bowel cancer, you may feel well.
So screening is vital to detect cancers before symptoms show, and
early detection and treatment drastically improve survival
rates,” she said.
Starting from today (Wednesday 4 October), people aged 51-54 who
are registered with a GP in Wales will be offered self-screening
for bowel cancer, and will automatically receive an easy to use,
bowel screening kit in the post every two years.
The programme will come into full effect for the newly eligible
age group gradually over the next year.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Wales. Between
2018-2020 there were nearly 7000 registered cases of bowel
cancer, but the survival rate is high.
Completing a home test kit is part of the bowel screening
process. In 2019, the Welsh Government introduced a new, easy to
use, FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) at-home testing kit. With
increased sensitivity, the kit can better detect bowel cancer in
those who are at risk and has contributed to an improved
screening uptake of 65% in the current age cohort of men and
women aged 55 to 74.
The move is part of a phased approach to lower the screening age
to 50, based on the recommendation of the UK National Screening
Committee.
Minister for Health and Social Services Eluned Morgan said:
“I am very pleased to see more people in Wales having access to
these precautionary, and sometimes lifesaving, bowel screenings.
“Last year, we widened access to bowel cancer screening to those
aged 55-57. This next phase will now extend screening to people
aged between 51-54 and we plan to lower the age to 50 in 2024.
“Over the next two years we are also increasing the sensitivity
of the test to make it even more effective at detecting cancer.
“Although it is reassuring to see good uptake rates of the
screening test so far, around a third of people still don’t take
up the offer. So, I would encourage everyone who is sent a kit to
take the test as it could be life-saving.”
Steve Court, Head of Bowel Screening Wales at Public
Health Wales, said:
“I’m delighted that we’re expanding the bowel cancer
screening programme to include those aged 51 to 54 in Wales.
“Bowel screening can help find bowel cancer at an early
stage, when you don’t have any symptoms. Early detection is so
important because at least 9 out of 10 people will survive bowel
cancer if it’s found and treated early. Bowel screening also
detects and removes pre-cancerous polyps that if left in the
bowel could develop into cancer.
“The invitation and test kit will be arriving via post to
those who are eligible over the next 12 months. The home test kit
is easy to complete and to send to our laboratory for
analysis.
“I would urge everyone who receives an invitation to take up
their offer. It could save their life.”
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK
says:
“This is fantastic news and a massive step in the right direction
towards screening from 50 in Wales, which we’ve long campaigned
for. Screening is one of the best ways to diagnose bowel cancer
early, when it’s much easier to treat, or in some cases
prevent it from developing in the first place, and so inviting
more people to take part is welcomed. We encourage everyone
to complete the test when they receive it.”
