NHS Bowel Screening Programme for patients with Mid Sussex Healthcare

 

Dr Chloe Roberts

 

I have noticed that you have not yet returned your bowel screening kit that was posted out to you. I wanted to mention to you why I feel it is important to take part in screening.

 

The NHS Bowel Screening Programme aims to find bowel cancer at an early stage before symptoms have a chance to develop. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK so this is well worth doing. The sooner it’s caught, the easier it is to treat, and treatment is more likely to be successful.

 

 

 

 

Bowel screening involves a simple test that you carry out in your own home. I would encourage you to return a sample which you then send off in the envelope supplied.

 

 

 

There are loads of reasons people do not respond to the screening test invitation:

 

o   I’m really busy!

 

That’s reasonable but screening is a really important part of staying well. It doesn’t take long to do a sample and pop it back in the post. 

 

o   Maybe you have lost it or thought it had gone out of date?

 

Kits last for a year, so if it is still in date then please do return it! Otherwise, if you wish to have another sent out to you, please telephone the bowel screening helpline: 0800 707 6060 or email rsc-tr.bcspsouthernhub@nhs.net  

o   It’s too difficult to see the test or open the pack

 

Patients with visual impairment or difficulties with using their hands might need some help with the test. Our nursing team would be happy to assist you if we can. Why not give us a call?

 

If there is anything else that you’d like to know or discuss about bowel screening, please do not hesitate to contact the surgery for further advice.

Links to further information

Click here for step by step instructions on how to use your kit

Click here for more facts and figures on bowel cancer

Click here for more information about the national screening programme