Bowel cancer screening has been shown to
increase the likelihood that the disease is diagnosed while it is more
responsive to treatment.
According to new research presented at the National Cancer Intelligence Network
(NCIN) conference which analysed people in their 60s, 18.5 per cent of bowel
cancers detected through screening were still in the earliest stages, compared
with 9.4 per cent of cancers that were diagnosed after patients complained
about symptoms.
Cancer Research UK states that 110 people are diagnosed with the disease every
day in the UK although long-term bowel cancer rates have remained relatively
stable during the past ten years.
Chris Carrigan, head of the NCIN, said: "When bowel cancer is found at the
earliest stage, there is an excellent chance of survival, with more than 90 per
cent of people surviving the disease at least five years."
He added that if more people were encouraged to take-up their screening
invitation then more lives could potentially be saved.
© Adfero Ltd
Cancer treatment news : 21 June 2012
