Bowel cancer screening UK

Question 1

What age is the program in the UK?

Answer 1

60-74 (ie age 75). After 75 patients can request a kit by calling the free helpline. This is planning on being changed to age 50.

Question 2

What does the program involve?

Answer 2

2 yearly FIT testing. Bowel scope screening (sigmoidoscopy) is offered to people age 55 as a one off in some parts of England.

Question 3

How is the program done?

Answer 3

NHS England sends out an invitation letter and information leaflet. A week later a FIT kit arrives in the mail with instructions. Patient sends back and receives their results 2 weeks later. An abnormal result is offered a colonoscopy.

Question 4

Describe the pathways after colonoscoy

Answer 4

• Normal: return to 2 yearly routine recall to age 75
• Low risk adenoma (= 1 or 2 small <1cm): return to 2 yearly routine recall
• Intermediate risk adenoma (3 or 4 adenomas OR at least one >/=1cm in size): colonoscopic surveillance
• High risk adenoma (5 or more adenomas or 3 with at least one being >/=1cm in size): colonoscopic surveillance

Question 5

What happens if the person does not respond to the invitation?

Answer 5

A reminder letter is sent after 4-6 weeks. If there is no response, the GP is informed after 3 months. Non-responders are invited to the next round of screening at the 2 yearly interval