A one-off screening test reduces the risk of developing bowel cancer by more than one third and could save thousands of lives, a study has found.

Researchers based at Imperial College London found that the test - which examines the lower part of the large bowel - prevented more than half of potential bowel cancers from developing in that area and two thirds of deaths were avoided.

Bowel scope uses a tiny camera attached to a thin flexible tube to examine a specific part of the bowel but was still found to prevent 35 per cent of bowel cancers overall and to prevent 40 per cent of deaths.

“We know the bowel scope test has huge benefits for older people," said Professor Wendy Atkin, from Imperial's Department of Surgery and Cancer, who led the study.

 "Although no screening test is perfect, this study shows that bowel scope is effective in reducing cancer deaths for at least 17 years.

“Bowel cancer can be prevented. And the bowel scope screening test is a great way to reduce the number of people diagnosed with the disease so it’s vital that no one misses out on the opportunity to get the test.”

STOPPING CANCER BEFORE IT STARTS

 In the latest study, funded through a Medical Research Council (MRC) and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) partnership and Cancer Research UK, the team followed more than 170,000 people for 17 years on average and more than 40,000 had the bowel scope test. It is the longest study ever done on the effectiveness of the test.

Bowel scope can stop cancer before it starts by finding small growths, called polyps, on the bowel wall. If left untreated polyps may become cancerous, but those found during bowel scope can usually be removed there and then.

Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK’s head of health information said: “Like other types of screening, bowel scope is meant for people without symptoms.

"It’s a great way to help reduce the number of people developing or dying from bowel cancer, but it can’t pick up everything.

“So it’s still important to take part in the rest of the bowel screening programme and not ignore the home testing kits when they arrive.

"And whatever your screening history tell your doctor if you notice any unusual or lasting changes such as blood in your poo or a change in bowel habit.”

The government estimates that the bowel scope test will take at least another three years before it will be offered to everyone eligible across England. The test is offered to people at age 55.

Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not yet committed to introducing this test as part of their own bowel screening programmes.

Emma Greenwood, Cancer Research UK’s director of policy, said: “In England the government has committed to rolling out this test but there is a shortage of trained staff to carry it out. A training scheme is underway but it’s important that there are enough newly trained specialists to meet the growing demand for these life-saving tests.” 

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Adapted from a press release by Cancer Research UK.

The research was funded by the Medical Research Council, the National Institutes of Health Research and Cancer Research UK.