Bowel cancer testing kits in post

The kits aim to enhance survival rates by allowing early treatment

Bowel cancer testing kits are to be used in the west of Scotland as part of one of the largest health screening programmes ever undertaken in the area.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will send out more than 300,000 kits to people aged over 50 in the next two years.

Up to 400 people in the health board area die each year from bowel cancer, but it is hoped the screening programme will save about 140 lives each year.

The programme is currently undergoing a phased roll-out across Scotland.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's consultant in public health medicine, Dr Emilia Crighton, said: "Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK and affects both men and women alike, and as we get older the risk increases with nine out of 10 cases in people over 50.

Early detection

"However, when detected early it can be treated effectively and many people can be cured.

"Within our area there are approximately 750 to 830 new bowel cancer cases each year and approximately 350 to 400 deaths."

She said it was "essential" that people used the kits, and were not embarrassed or afraid to send samples back.

"The vast majority of results are perfectly normal. For the minority of people who do have positive results, screening will mean early detection, quicker treatment and a greater chance of a cure," Dr Crighton added.

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