Bowel cancer screening programme launched

Audrey Howarth, health improvement practitioner; Andrea Dutton, public health programme manager; Bernadine O'Sullivan, consultant in public health and Billie Moores, consultant in public health

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust (HMRPCT) has officially launch the Borough’s new Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

The launch event outlined the risks of bowel cancer and what the new programme will entail, as well as a demonstration of a colonoscopy machine - the equipment used to look for signs of bowel cancer. Guests also took part in a light hearted game of ‘Bowel Bingo’, where each number drawn related to fact about the disease.

Heywood and Middleton MP, Jim Dobbin attended, as did the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Peter Evans and PCT Chairman, John Pierce.

Over the next six months, people aged between 60 and 69 in the Borough will receive a bowel cancer testing kit through the post, allowing them to take the test in the privacy of their own home. The test involves collecting a small sample from three separate bowel motions which is then returned to a laboratory for analysis, via a specially designed pre-paid envelope. Those aged 70 and over are being encouraged to call a freephone helpline on 0800 707 60 60 to request a kit if they want to take part in the screening programme

Patients requiring treatment will be referred to Fairfield Hospital in Bury, which is run by Pennine Acute Trust.

Bernadine O’Sullivan, consultant in public health at HMRPCT, said: “The whole point of the screening programme is to catch problems before they develop and it will only succeed if as many people as possible accept our invitation for a test. This unique programme means that they can access screening at home. The test kit is simple to complete and I strongly encourage everyone offered the opportunity to participate. Bowel cancer screening could reduce deaths from bowel cancer by 16 per cent in those invited for screening.”

All 60 to 69 year olds in the Borough will receive a leaflet entitled ‘Bowel Cancer Screening – The Facts’ and screening invitation, to help them make an informed choice about whether to take part.