The Guernsey Bowel Cancer Screening Pilot Scheme
Who is being invited to the pilot scheme?
People from the Bailiwick who will be turning 60 years of age during the first three months of 2012 and are registered with a doctor will be invited to attend the screening pilot. The test is for people who do not have symptoms. Anyone, regardless of age, who notices a change in their bowel habits should seek advice from their doctor.
When will the pilot take place?
Invites to the pilot scheme will be sent out from September 2011. Participants will be invited to attend a pre-screening appointment in the Day Patient Unit at the PEH with a bowel screening nurse. This appointment will be on a Wednesday between September and November 2011 and will last approximately 15 minutes. This will give the chance for participants to ask questions and find out more about the screening test. If the participant would like to be included in the screening pilot an appointment for a flexi-sigmoidoscopy (flexi-sig) test will be made.
What is a flexi-sigmoidoscopy (flexi-sig) test?
This is a test which examines the bowel with a thin flexible tube. The test takes approximately 15 minutes but 45 minutes should be allowed for the appointment. This is a proven technique that is known to prevent bowel cancers and bowel cancer deaths.
What happens after the test?
The specialist will be able to tell the participant how the test went immediately after. Within 2-3 weeks the participant and their doctor will receive a letter about any findings.
Are there any risks?
The test is very safe and has been routinely used in thousands of people. There may be a small amount of bleeding after removal of a polyp. The risk of any damage is very tiny. You may experience abdominal bloating which is usually gone by the following day.
What Next?
This is a pilot scheme which will end in December 2011. The purpose of the pilot is to allow programme designers to tailor the best possible local service. It is important to remember that anyone, regardless of age, who notices a change in their bowel habits should seek advice from their doctor.
For further information please contact the bowel screening office on 707740
http://guernseyhealthpromotion.com/