Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
31 March 2016 09:41
Bowel cancer screening may help prevent the disease
A simple reminder letter could be the difference between some people surviving bowel cancer or dying from the disease, according to new research.
It finds that a bowel-screening memory jogger would lead to a greater take-up of the scans and subsequent faster diagnoses and better survival rates.
Study author Cancer Research UK (CRUK) says most people do not accept current offers of bowel scope screenings which could potentially save their life.
The one-off test is offered to people once they turn 55. It seeks to locate and eliminate polyps with the potential to develop into cancer.
Stat attack
CRUK says that:
• only 40-50% of people offered screenings go and have them done
• nearly one in five (30 out of 155) who originally ignored the first invitation booked an appointment after getting a reminder a year later. This reminder includes details of how they can reserve an appointment, pick their own date and time, and specify their preferred sex of tester
• the screening helps prevent two out of every 300 patients tested from developing bowel cancer
• the test stops one in every 300 patients screened from dying of bowel cancer
• bowel cancer remains the UK's second largest cancer killer
Holiday plans
Bowel or bladder cancer need not hamper people's travel plans.
Holidaymakers can take out bowel cancer-related travel insurance. This insurance can cover them for lost medication, round-the-clock medical attention and stolen travel documents and possessions.
What the experts say
University College London's Christian von Wagner wants further investigations into reminder letters to test their effectiveness.
Dr von Wagner, the report's lead author, says the letter is both simple and cheap.
CRUK's bowel cancer specialist Matt Seymour says such screenings can only be successful if patients actually arrive for their tests.
Prof Seymour says he is pleased to discover that just a simple reminder can make all the difference between people attending or staying at home.
He says it is key that people get easy-to-understand bowel screening information at their fingertips.
The British Journal of Cancer published the study.
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
[more...]
16 April 2019
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.
02 March 2019
A Flybe flight was forced to abort take-off due to the cabin filling with "smoke" while it was accelerating along the runway at Exeter Airport.