BRITS at increased risk of bowel cancer will get life-saving checks under a new scheme funded by Dame Deborah James’ Bowelbabe Fund.
The Cancer Research UK project will improve access to colonoscopies used to diagnose the condition quickly while it’s still treatable.
It’s being rolled out in the Scottish Borders and, if successful, could be adopted by NHS trusts across the UK.
Dr Jonathan Fletcher, consultant physician and NHS Borders lead clinician for the project, said: “With the support of CRUK and the Bowelbabe Fund, we are excited to be overhauling the colonoscopy follow up arrangements for Borders patients with a variety of conditions that increase their risk of bowel cancer.
“There will be a range of benefits to patients and the endoscopy service that we hope to examine and measure with this initiative.”
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common form of the disease in the UK, diagnosed 44,000 times per year, and second biggest cancer killer, claiming 16,800 lives annually.
But in November 2024, only 69.4 per cent of patients in England started treatment within 62 days of an urgent cancer referral, missing the NHS England target of 85 per cent, which hasn’t been met since 2015.
Waiting times in Scotland aren’t much better, and are among the worst on record for the country.
In April to June last year, only 73 per cent of people who were referred urgently with suspected cancer started treatment within 62 days.
However, those regarded at higher risk of developing bowel cancer – usually because of pre-existing medical conditions like colitis, Crohn’s disease, type 2 diabetes or having a family history – aren’t covered by this target.
Instead, they are put on ‘surveillance’ lists because they need tests at regular intervals and don’t necessarily have symptoms.
Those showing signs of cancer take priority, leaving some people who may have a similar risk waiting long periods for vital checks.
The new initiative, part of a national programme called Test, Evidence, Transition (TET), aims to tackle this “forgotten waiting list”.
Hundreds of patients will be offered colonoscopies – a type of endoscopy, or non-surgical procedure using a flexible camera to examine the inside of the colon – far more quickly.
Specially-trained nurses will then free up doctors to help treat patients with a diagnosis.
There will also be more support and advice on how to manage their condition, and reminders to avoid missed appointments.
Naser Turabi, director of evidence and implementation at CRUK, said: “There is a relatively less well-known group of people who are at a higher risk of bowel cancer, waiting too long for crucial colonoscopy tests.
“It has no official target and so can get less attention and resources.
“We are delighted to support this exciting initiative to reduce the wait and improve outcomes for patients in their region.
“If patients in this pilot scheme can be tested at the right frequency, we have a better chance of diagnosing cancer earlier, when treatment is much more likely to be successful.
“We hope the learning from this work will be adopted elsewhere in Scotland and across the UK.”
The signs of bowel cancer you need to know
1. B: Bleeding
There are several possible causes of bleeding from your bottom, of blood in your poo.
Bright red blood could come from swollen blood vessels, haemorrhoids or piles, in your back passage.
Dark red or black blood could come from your bowel or stomach.
Blood in your stools is one of the key signs of bowel cancer, so it’s important to mention it to your doctor so they can investigate.
2. O: Obvious change in loo habits
It’s important to tell your GP if you have noticed any changes in your bowel habits, that lasts three weeks or longer.
It’s especially important if you have also noticed signs of blood in your poo.
You might notice you need to go to the loo more often, you might have looser stools or feel like you’re not going enough or fully emptying your bowels.
Don’t be embarrassed, your GP will have heard a lot worse! Speak up and get it checked.
3. W: Weight loss
This is less common than the other symptoms, but an important one to be aware of. If you’ve lost weight and don’t really know why, it’s worth mentioning to your GP.
You may not feel like eating, feel sick, bloated and not hungry.
4. E: Extreme tiredness
Bowel cancer that causes bleeding can cause a lack of iron in the body – anaemia. If you develop anaemia you’re likely to feel tired and your skin might look pale.
5. L: Lump or pain
As with lots of other forms of cancer, a lump or pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.
It’s most likely you’ll notice a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
See your GP if it doesn’t go away, or if it affects how you eat or sleep
Julieann Brennan, strategic lead and board coordinator for Public Health National Screening Programmes in Scotland, added: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with Cancer Research UK to improve access to our colonoscopy services, particularly for those who may be at higher risk of developing bowel cancer.
“We also want to make improvements in communications with those patients who may be at higher risk.”
TET previously focused on reducing waiting times for people with suspected breast and prostate cancer.
It has received £2million from CRUK and the Bowelbabe Fund, created to continue the inspiring legacy of Dame Debs, who died of bowel cancer in 2022 aged 40.
The “innovative” new pilot is a collaboration between NHS Borders, CRUK and the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
”
