Test could save 5,000 lives

A national bowel cancer screening programme for 60-yearolds could dramatically reduce deaths from the disease, researchers say.

Around 16,000 people die every year from bowel cancer, the third most common form of the disease in Britain, while a further 34,000 are affected.

But a single test at 60 could prevent up to 5,000 cases a year, according to the major study by Cancer Research UK. Bowel cancer often develops from small growths called polyps.

Some are pre-cancerous and can progress to fullblown cancer. This can take up to a decade, but removing the growth in the meantime can effectively prevent the disease.

For the trial 170,000 people underwent a sigmoidoscopy test to diagnose pre-cancerous growths, where the lower bowel is examined via a miniature camera on a long, thin tube. Small growths can be removed immediately, while patients with larger polyps may then have an examination of the whole bowel.

Most cases of bowel cancer occur in over-60s. Screening at 60 should offer protection for the next 10 years.

Dr Wendy Atkin, of Cancer Research UK's London colorectal cancer unit, said: "Screening should almost pay for itself. We expect its costs would be mostly offset by the savings made by preventing the disease and avoiding the costs of treatment."