To wonder why bowel screening starts at 50 in scotland

[Kaylasmum49]

Hi just wondering why bowel screening starts at 50 in Scotland but not until 60 in England. I just turned 50 so expect to receive my kit soon but was surprised to find out that it was started 10 years earlier here in Scotland.

Are we more at risk of bowel cancer here!?

[MrsTerryPratchett]

Do you read a lot about this stuff? Because it sounds like you might be feeding your anxiety. Maybe better to avoid so much that you can do very little to control (public health policy for example).

[Kaylasmum49]

Hi, yes I do read a lot about cancer as I have severe health anxiety and I am a prolific googler!!

I worry about getting a positive screening result and having to go on to have a colonoscopy because of the risks that are involved.

I had a really bad time almost six years ago with my health anxiety, I was worried then that I had bowel cancer. I stopped eating anything red as I had seen red smears on the tp after wiping. It was most likely from food as it happened after I ate peppers/ tomatoes/ pasta sauces. I became obsessed with my stools (sorry tmi) my bowel movements were all over the place, I was a mess. Nearly lost my job and I lost 3 stone in four months.

I have no family history of bowel cancer. MS, strokes and heart attacks which for some reason I don't worry about.

[Kaylasmum49]

Euphemia,

Thanks for that, you've just increased my anxiety!

[Doilooklikeatourist]

I live in Wales , we get the shit kit (!!!) at 60 here too
We get free prescriptions and the NHS is pretty darn crap here
My mother died of bowel cancer at age 61 , and I've had a screening colonoscopy every 3 years since the age of about 41
It's more to do with taking care of yourself , and I think that Scotland is the least healthy part of the U.K. ( not sure of my facts )

[Kaylasmum49]

Why would Scotland be the most unhealthy part of the country? This isn't looking good for me is it?

[bananafish81]

It's even got a name : the Glasgow effect

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasgow_effect

[YesThisIsMe]

The Scots do have a noticeably higher rate of bowel cancer yes. So more testing should be worthwhile. Probably a combination of diet and the lack of sunshine.

[Kaylasmum49]

I don't live in Glasgow, I don't smoke, I drink moderately, my diet could be better.

[bananafish81]

So therefore you are in good shape OP

But on a population level not everyone is like you

Hence the national statistics and different priorities for screening programmes in Scotland

[Kaylasmum49]

Yeah that's true, but it's still worrying.

My dad was 78 when he died, he had ms for about 40 years. He died of pneumonia after being admitted to hospital with a urine infection. My mum died aged 45 of a stroke. My grandmother's lived until they were in their late 80's/early 90's.

Sorry I'm going off the point here but my anxiety is pretty high.

[Kaylasmum49]

Hmm don't think I will!

[Kaylasmum49]

Euphemia,

I assume you're in Scotland? How many fobts have you done? Did yours come back negative?

[indyandlara]

My Mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 54 and died 9 months later. Her father has bowel cancer in his early 40s and survived while his father also died of bowel cancer. I was 29 when mum died and had a colonoscopy at 30 via a genetics referral. All was ok but I was told it should be repeated at 40. I was referred back to genetics by my GP a few months ago to be told they had changed their policy and I wouldn't have another colonoscopy until I'm 50. My GP wrote back to them to ask them to see me but that has just been rejected.

In my opinion, with my family history and the fact I have had a diagnosis of IBS for almost 2 years, I really can't afford to wait until I'm 50. So my only alternative is to pay to have it done privately, a decision my GP agrees with and I'm now organising. I'd happily give up free prescriptions in order for people like me to access screening which may save their lives. I am fortunate that we can afford private treatment, many can't.

[indyandlara]

Sorry, should've said IBS for nearly 20 years, not 2.

[Kaylasmum49]

Indy, that's absolutely shocking! As you say it's fortunate that you can go private but for those that can't it could be a matter of life and death

[heavenlypink]

Nennyrainbow have you discussed the issue of earlier screening with your GP. My dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer (5 years ago) detected through screening and successfully treated. Even though a direct genetic link has been ruled out I have been advised to have a one off colonoscopy at 50 and start the bowl screening programme 10 years earlier.

[Kaylasmum49]

I also have ibs, about 25 years. There is no link with bowel cancer from ibs though.

[indyandlara]

There's no direct link but my mum had IBS too and I really do think our family just have something that doesn't quite work properly with our digestive systems.

[Kaylasmum49]

Ah I see. Does your ibs give you much bother?