Simple tube that could save your life to be sent to all over-50s by the NHS
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At it's heart, it's just a simple plastic tube- but it has the potential to save lives. All over 50s will now receive a home-testing kit that can help to detect signs of bowel cancer. The final stage of the expansion of the NHS programme comes after a Lancet study revealed a worrying increase in bowl cancer among younger adults. The faecal immunochemical test (FIT), which checks for blood in a small stool sample, will see almost a million more people become eligible as it will be sent out to everyone aged 50 and 52. It involves putting a poo sample in a small tube and returning it by post to the NHS for testing. Two out of 100 people who use the kit will require further testing.
NHS England is warning of worrying low take-up of the test in younger groups as latest figures show fewer than 60% return the test among those aged 54 to 59. The return rate is over 70% for older age groups. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England director for cancer, said: “Thousands of people in England develop bowel cancer each year, and there are concerns that it is becoming more common for people in their 50’s – but what we do know is that the chances of surviving it are very good when it is caught early, which is why the NHS is sending out millions of free bowel cancer screening kits for people to use in the comfort of their own homes, and we urge everyone invited to take part.
“There is no need to feel embarrassed about poo – the test is quick and simple to use and can detect signs of bowel cancer, often before symptoms appear, so please do return your FIT kit if you are sent one. If anyone experiences symptoms such as blood in their poo or severe stomach pain, no matter their age, they should speak to their GP and get it checked out as soon as possible.”.
