Bowel cancer screening

I've done 3 of these so far and all have been clear.
Can I also make a plea for breast cancer screening. I know of people who have said they are not going because it is very uncomfortable. It seems they cannot imagine how uncomfortable the alternative could be. A friend has just had a recall from her latest screening and goes for the results on Tuesday. It is thought it might be cysts but there again it might not but will at least it will have been found early.
Best wishes to anyone waiting for results of tests of any description.

Received a letter just this morning asking me to repeat the test. Hopefully all will be well, but if not then I feel fortunate to be able to catch problems early through access to screening programmes such as this.

I sent mine off about 3 years ago and the result was unclear as was the second specimen. I had a colonoscopy- did not need any sedation, there was a small polyp which was removed. The result was normal and I was so relieved that I had done it as it could easily have gone the other way.

I did my 2nd test not so long ago and OH did his first this year, both thankfully clear...

petallus hope you get a good result ..

Postman has just brought my result and all is well.

Good luck Petallus.

My first poo sticks are due next year, DH had his in 2012 and all was well. I check my poo daily and I know that sounds gross but you do get to know what is normal for you.

petallus I hope all goes well for you ((hugs))

My brother had positive tests and went for colonoscopy. All clear. They think he had been eating black pudding prior to the test - yuk! I would not be surprised if I am asked to repeat the test as I have piles and these can muddy the waters, so to speak!

DH has done this and had the all clear. I haven't been sent one yet, is it an over 60 thing in England ? I see the o.p is in Scotland as says over 50. I'm well over that.

I had a first 'unclear' result and the repeat test was 'abnormal'. Helpfully, the fact sheet tells me I now have a one in ten chance of having cancer.

I have had symptoms for some months and saw my GP in September but she did not test for bowel cancer. Luckily the screening prog came up by coincidence.

I would urge anyone who is eligible for the test to have it.

Also seems you can buy a kit and test yourself for a small sum.

They say that many of the "abnormal results" are settled by a second scan, or an ultrasound, Petallus so don't get too worried. (easier said than done)

As it happens I've just had an abnormal result and will have a colonoscopy on Tuesday.

I think once people start talking about what is/was once a taboo subject then we can talk about things more freely...I think it is the privacy of such things that, when the time comes we are embarrassed mentioning the word.poo! feaces! breast! cervix etc etc if we say these words often enough they become common to our vocabulary and we may use them more freely...... many many yrs ago mentioning the word "breast" "prostrate" etc was not heard of other than when you went to the docs/hospital etc .and even then and now just mentioning the words can be embarrassing (not on GN of course lol) as we are all open and above lol) once you have talked about it becomes easier to mention these words...my DD have trouble with IBS in fact we all do. and has had various treatments for it.so "Bowels" is just another word to me... we must all carry on looking after our bodies and when the tests are there we must take the opportunity to use them, as with the above posts! that little test with a little stick and piece of card looks like it could have proved a lifesaver good health everyone

Indeed, Pollaidh. I received my first bowel screening kit a year before my husband did - pure chance. Sent it off, result came back clear. A year later he got his. He had been feeling a bit wabbit, but hey! getting older. His result came back - "Please get further tests" He did so and a large tumour was found and removed. Had it been found earlier, it might not have spread, as later proved, to his liver and lungs.

These tests are free, useful, and not much bother to do. Please take your chance to be tested.

Quite right - well said! OH and I have been "playing poo sticks" recently! We are lucky to have this available to us.

Lovely post Pollaidh and glad to hear such a positive story.