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Cancer

Liverpool City Council Expands Bowel Cancer Screening Program

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Liverpool, and early detection through screening and being alert to symptoms can dramatically improve treatment outcomes. Liverpool City Council welcomes the news that thousands more residents will now receive home-testing kits that can help detect early signs of bowel cancer. The NHS bowel cancer screening programme has recently expanded to include people aged 50 and over, with those aged 50+ automatically being sent a free home test kit, known as the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), every two years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHS bowel cancer screening programme has expanded to include people aged 50 and over, with those aged 50+ automatically receiving a free home test kit every two years.
  • Bowel cancer screening began for anyone aged 60, but now starts at 50 due to the expansion of the programme.
  • Early detection through screening and being alert to symptoms can dramatically improve treatment outcomes for bowel cancer.
  • The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) checks for hidden blood in a small stool sample, a possible sign of bowel cancer.
  • Anyone experiencing symptoms such as tummy discomfort, blood in faeces, or diarrhea/constipation should speak to their GP, regardless of their age or eligibility for the screening programme.
  • People aged 75+ can request a kit by calling the NHS bowel screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
  • Bowel cancer can often be diagnosed too late, but early detection saves lives.
  • Liverpool City Council aims to help residents live longer, healthier lives and reduce projected rises in cancer rates.
  • Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, emphasizes the importance of early detection and staying alert to symptoms.
  • Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, emphasizes the importance of early detection and speaks to the lifesaving potential of the screening programme.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,200 people in Liverpool are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year.
  • The number of people aged 50-59 diagnosed with bowel cancer in Liverpool increased by 20% between 2015-2018 (NHS).
  • Bowel cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in Liverpool.
  • The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a quick and easy-to-use test that checks for hidden blood in a small stool sample.
  • If symptoms persist, it's essential to contact a GP for further guidance and support (Liverpool City Council).

Sources:

  • Bowel cancer screening - NHS (no date)
  • Interview with Dr Natalie O'Tham, resident of Liverpool (no date)
  • Cllr Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture (no date)
  • Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council (no date)

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