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Health

Bowel Screening been suspended?

(38 Posts)
BridgetPark Wed 22-Sep-21 17:01:55

I am curious as to why I haven't received a test for the bowel screening that was introduced a few years ago. I have read somewhere that it is being quietly dropped, does anyone know if this is correct? If so, how disappointing of the government to halt this screening, when it was originally heralded as a ground breaking approach to catch early cases of bowel cancer. There is bowel cancer in my family, so I was pleased that the screening gave me some assurances. If anyone has any information on this i would appreciate it.

Jane43 Thu 07-Oct-21 11:58:52

Sorry to the OP who gave the information I gave in the post above, I didn’t read Page 2.

Jane43 Thu 07-Oct-21 11:57:23

I don’t know your age but it does stop when you are 75. You can request screening though if you wish.

Lins1066 Wed 06-Oct-21 22:16:50

I had my my kit last week, sent it back the following day, received a letter yesterday to say that all was good. DH's kit arrived today. Excellent service from the Welsh NHS. As others have said, the new test kit is much easier to do.

EkwaNimitee Wed 06-Oct-21 22:06:38

You can still ask for one even if over 75. I did at 77 last year as my Dad had bowel cancer (successfully treated).

Greyduster Wed 06-Oct-21 22:02:43

I just had a letter advising me that a kit is on its way (oh joy!). At a smidgeon off 75 I expect this is the last one I shall get.

nannyof4 Wed 06-Oct-21 21:58:56

I am 74 and just had mine and results were good.

honeyrose Tue 05-Oct-21 08:55:24

I received my test kit about a month ago - later than expected probably delayed by the pandemic. One sample needed instead of three samples now, so easier to do. There is an upper age limit, so do check this.

love0c Tue 05-Oct-21 08:37:38

I received one some months ago. I sincerely hope it is not being dropped. I think we need more screening. A simple blood test can show up cancers years before they take hold.

highlanddreams Tue 05-Oct-21 08:35:27

still getting mine in Scotland, but not had the breast screen appointment that I was due again this year though, it's normally in June for me

BlueBelle Tue 05-Oct-21 04:01:06

I think it finishes at 74 I haven’t had one sent for a few years the there is definitely an upper age limit as there is for breast screening and cervical cancer screening

jeanie99 Tue 05-Oct-21 03:45:59

There is an upper age limit, thought it was 70 or 75. I am older than this but because there is bowel cancer in my family I have a test every two years. I've also been part of a trial.
Had to have colonoscopies a couple of times also which showed polyps. So am very happy to still be supported, thank goodness for the NHS,

Shinamae Wed 22-Sep-21 22:16:38

Caro6699

I had one a few weeks ago, so I don’t think it has been suspended.

Me too

Esspee Wed 22-Sep-21 22:15:12

I’m in Scotland, I got my last all clear about two months ago. Instead of three samples I only had to provide one.

Visgir1 Wed 22-Sep-21 20:11:27

Got mine few months ago and also the routine Breast screening service has been delayed, got that about 4 weeks ago.

BlueSky Wed 22-Sep-21 19:23:52

Thanks Nadateturbe!

nadateturbe Wed 22-Sep-21 19:14:07

Bluesky ours usually came just after birthday. But not during pandemic.

BridgetPark Wed 22-Sep-21 18:22:46

Thankyou all so much. That is very reassuring. I am sure its been over 2 years and longer since i had any test through the post. I will go on the website and see if i can request one.
How lovely to be on a forum where people respond so quickly and readily, you are all very lovely, and i am glad to be on here.

Kalu Wed 22-Sep-21 18:15:29

DH and I received our, one sample only, required, kits and all clear results three weeks ago. We are in Scotland.

Maya1 Wed 22-Sep-21 18:01:28

Still being done in Cambridgeshire. Last year and this, friends and relatives got theirs all within the correct time frame.

BlueSky Wed 22-Sep-21 18:01:12

Are they sent around your birthday? I’m asking as my DH had one shortly after his birthday while I’m still waiting. Worth it for the reassurance same as for mammograms, even if at same point you need to request them.

LauraNorder Wed 22-Sep-21 17:47:43

PS we are in Wales

LauraNorder Wed 22-Sep-21 17:46:28

We’ve both received and returned our kits a few weeks ago.
Got our all clear letter this week.
Super efficient.
Hope you get yours soon.

Liz46 Wed 22-Sep-21 17:45:31

My husband has had the letter but the kit has not arrived yet.

Redhead56 Wed 22-Sep-21 17:45:09

I did mine three weeks ago. It's changed instead of three samples over three days. It's now one sample.

GillT57 Wed 22-Sep-21 17:43:52

Still being done. I had one sent a couple of weeks ago. Easier than the previous ones too.