Bowel Screening for Over 50s
Since November 2011, patients aged over 50 years and over will have received a Bowel Screening Kit in the post. These kits will be sent to all patients every two years. We would encourage all patients who receive the kit to do the test and return the kit in the envelope provided. Our surgery has an uptake just slightly above the Scottish average of 52% for men and 58% for women. We would like to improve this and ask that you express any concerns you have at your next appointment.
Statistics prove that survival rates increase with early detection—up to 17% - with overall survival averaging 55%. Cancer isn’t what it used to be and people can live well with early detection. Don’t be scared to ask you GP or our practice nurses if you feel you have
symptoms suggestive of bowel cancer. Visit the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme
website for more information at
http://www.healthscotland.com/topics/health/screening/bowel.aspx
or phone the number below if you have misplaced your kit and wish to be tested
Bowel Screening Helpline 0800 0121 833