Every 2 years the NHS send out these bowel cancer testing kits. They go out to all in the country of a certain age group which may well be 50 or 55 + I'm not too sure. And I received mine yesterday.

I have had and completed a few of these tests although I missed the last one 2 years ago as I was still in the Philippines.

As everyone knows it is important to catch cancer early just like has been discussed on here with the PSA tests re prostate cancer.

Yes I won't go into detail but completing the test is not the most pleasant of things although it is a lot better now than it used to be.

I urge everyone who receives these bowel cancer testing kits to complete the test as soon as they receive it.
It could save your life.

Just Poo it !!!!!!

Poo'd it this February MK, got a negative result which is obviously a positive! All should do it if sent the testing kit

The test itself is for blood in the poo - which is a bit of a bvgger if you eat as much black pudding as I do (it's preferable to iron tablets).

Easy enough to do the test....just do it it could save your life

I’ll do it…. If I get one. I’m 56, so I’m expecting one.

I've been positive every time, so I then have to progress to the hospital bit - then eventually get cleared!

dougcollins wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 26, 2022 9:22 pm

I've been positive every time, so I then have to progress to the hospital bit - then eventually get cleared!

That’s good information to know and remember if that occurs to anyone else, that a home test isn’t necessarily a certainty

Thanks for sharing, it must be worrying for a while.

It saved my life - do it!

I completed the task and within 5 minutes I had put it in the small stiff envelope that they sent me ready to be posted off. Very easy to do.

Easier to do than a lateral flow Covid test for me. Just do it it's so important.

Footnote.

It can create anxiety if you're contacted as a result of these tests, and asked for further samples..as in my case.
Remain calm if this happens because its often a result of issues other than cancer.
As above, don't fanny about, get it done.

I got a letter just this week. With NHS on the envelope, I thought it was the result of my diabetic retinopathy test which I had two weeks ago today, but it was to tell me that the bowel cancer kit should be with me in two weeks time. Absolutely no worries, mine will be done and sent back just as soon as possible. I had a big scare ten years ago this month and I don't hesitate with these tests.

dougcollins wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 26, 2022 9:22 pm

I've been positive every time, so I then have to progress to the hospital bit - then eventually get cleared!

As have I.

For me anyway I started getting the test at 60 and then every two years.

In that time my test has changed from taking three samples from different poos on cardboard strips and placing the samples on a piece of cardboard to, starting last year, one test using a plastic tool that is stored in a container with some liquid in it. I understand that different geographical areas may have different procedures.

I collect the poo using an old plastic ice cream container lid with toilet paper on it. I found putting the turd on the lid without the paper meant it was very hard to wash the smell off the plastic - just a tip for any beginners out there!

Hipper wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 27, 2022 8:06 am

I collect the poo using an old plastic ice cream container lid with toilet paper on it. I found putting the turd on the lid without the paper meant it was very hard to wash the smell off the plastic - just a tip for any beginners out there!

So glad you had the word “old” in there

As and when I’m due I’ll be having it done.
It took us a while for us to convince my dad to go for the PSA testing and although all been clear so far for himself a friend who went with him was picked up early enough to treat

I'm over 75 now so I don't get them any more but I remember the happy times catching the turds in toilet paper and , invariably , on the occasion it would be a real bum splitter !!! Happy days !

Seriously DO IT .They found blood in mine and I had a colonoscopy within 3 weeks... clear thank goodness .I don't get the tests any more but I'm on a kind of watch list at my GP practice..I've had a further colonoscopy since . In this respect the NHS was faultless . BUt I've never understood the reason for the cut off at 75.

Foreverly Claret wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 27, 2022 9:44 am

I'm over 75 now so I don't get them any more but I remember the happy times catching the turds in toilet paper and , invariably , on the occasion it would be a real bum splitter !!! Happy days !

Seriously DO IT .They found blood in mine and I had a colonoscopy within 3 weeks... clear thank goodness .I don't get the tests any more but I'm on a kind of watch list at my GP practice..I've had a further colonoscopy since . In this respect the NHS was faultless . BUt I've never understood the reason for the cut off at 75.

I think 75 is the time the government want us off the books and they forget about us...I could be wrong,preventative medicine shouldn't stop at 75,we still have possibly another 25years left at least

At what sort of age do these kits start to arrive ? I'm 54 and wasn't even aware of them until this post 🫣

I wish I had not missed a test, even though the wife & kids nagged me.
I took one 18 months ago but unfortunately to late.
Cancer of the Rectum and a three spots of my Liver.
After Chemo, Radiation and Liver surgery, i have just had surgery to remove my rectum, sphincter and close up my bum hole.
Seven hour op and thirteen days in hospital.
I now have a permanent Stoma and will need a bag for the duration.
It has also put a great deal of stress on my family.
Therefore, please, if you get a kit, use it.

louieollie wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 27, 2022 10:07 am

At what sort of age do these kits start to arrive ? I'm 54 and wasn't even aware of them until this post 🫣

At 60 and then every two years but it does stop at 75.

Having lost two friends to this awful disease, just poo it; it's easy to do and as others have said it may save your life.

ClaretTony wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 27, 2022 11:02 am

At 60 and then every two years but it does stop at 75.

Cheers Tony.

I'm not eligible for this yet, it kicks in at 50 in Scotland, but absolutely if you are able to get one then get it.

Prevention is better than cure as the saying goes.

And even if you are positive, then the earlier it's found the better your chances of any treatment working.

Another tip I would offer is to purchase a tub of urine testing strips. Very easy to use. Just test your urine every month or so. Just going thru bladder cancer and these inexpensive strips alerted me to blood ( not visible to naked eye) in my urine. This led to early diagnosis of tumor which has been removed. Would suggest this for over 50,s