NHS bowel cancer screening will be rolled out to thousands every 2 years in win for Dame Debs’ Sun campaign

THOUSANDS of Brits who are more at risk of bowel cancer are set to be screened every two years on the NHS.

It marks another victory for The Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign, spearheaded by the late Dame Deborah James, which has called for greater awareness and access to testing.

The world-first move will see regular checks for around 10,000 people diagnosed with Lynch syndrome — a genetic condition that means you’re 80 per cent more likely to develop bowel cancer.

Dr Kevin Monahan, of NHS England, said: “Incorporating people with Lynch syndrome into the screening programme is game-changing and will save many lives each year.

“It will deliver prevention and early diagnosis of bowel cancer through timely and high-quality colonoscopy.”

Bowel cancer is the UK’s second deadliest cancer, claiming 16,500 lives each year.

However, 90 per cent survive if diagnosed at the earliest stage, according to Cancer Research UK.

That's why The Sun launched the No Time 2 Lose campaign calling on the Government to lower the screening age for bowel cancer from 60 to 50.

In 2018, then health secretary Matt Hancock agreed and rollout of tests to people in their 50s has now begun.

Medics spot around 43,000 new cases in the UK every year, with around 268,000 Brits living with the disease today.

Symptoms include bleeding from the back passage or changes in your normal bowel habits, such as looser poo, pooing more often or constipation.

Lynch syndrome is a hereditary condition that increases the risk of bowel, womb, ovarian, stomach, pancreatic and ureter and renal pelvis cancers.

Around 175,000 people are estimated to have it, but just 5 per cent are aware and 10,000 are on the Lynch syndrome register.

The NHS last year introduced genetic tests for Lynch syndrome to people diagnosed with bowel or womb cancers, so their family members are able to also get tested if they are positive.

Now, people with the condition will be offered regular colonoscopies near their homes to check for early signs of bowel cancer.

Steve Russell, of the NHS, said: “Thousands more people who have been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome will be given regular colonoscopies to check for signs of cancer.

“Ensuring people who we know are at a greater risk of developing cancers get regular screening is key to diagnosing cancers at an earlier stage.

We are leading the way in improving the care of people with Lynch syndrome and ultimately saving lives

Genevieve EdwardsBowel Cancer UK

“I’d encourage everyone invited to come forward and get their screening at a local centre near them.”

Genevieve Edwards, of Bowel Cancer UK, says: “We expect to see a vast improvement in the experience and outcomes for people with the condition.

“Those who have been diagnosed with Lynch syndrome will now have regular access to high-quality colonoscopy tests regardless of where they live in England.

“As the first country in the world to implement a programme like this we are leading the way in improving the care of people with Lynch syndrome and ultimately saving lives.”