Views of the service and messages to others

People who took part in the bowel cancer screening programme were very enthusiastic about every aspect of the service. Those who had a 'normal' result liked being reassured and those who were diagnosed with bowel cancer recognised that early diagnosis had prevented the spread of cancer in the body and might have saved their lives. Some knew that other countries do not have a bowel screening programme and felt lucky that has been introduced in the UK.

He is sure that early diagnosis prevented his cancer from spreading and is now convinced that screening is useful.

The treatment she received was 'first class.' She thinks that screening and early diagnosis prevented the need for major surgery and perhaps even saved her life.

He thinks that screening is a “brilliant concept” and that if his grandfather had been screened for bowel cancer he might have lived longer.

A man who had polyps removed said that he could not fault the system. Everything that had happened to him during the screening process had been 'superb'. He said that the nurses were 'brilliant' and that he had never once felt embarrassed. He encourages others to take part in screening.

He recommends screening for bowel cancer for anyone 'of a certain age' because early diagnosis may lead to a cure.

Many other people said that they were most impressed by the coordination, efficiency and teamwork involved in the national bowel cancer screening programme. This man, for example, said that staff involved in screening were kind, helpful, easy to talk to and very efficient. 

He was 'hugely impressed' by the specialist screening practitioners. All the members of the team were excellent and he is sure screening must save money.

His involvement in the screening programme was a positive experience.

Some people were convinced that the screening programme had not only saved their lives but that it must be cost effective. Others said they were lucky to have had screening.

The surgeon told him that if he hadn't taken part in screening the cancer would have spread and the outcome would have been very bad.

She thinks she is lucky to have been able to take part in screening.

Some people thought that screening for bowel cancer ought to be available for those under 60 as well as those aged 60-69. Those aged 70 or over can phone a Freephone number 0800 707 6060.

Thinks that screening ought to be available to everyone, including younger people.

He thinks that the screening programme is very useful and should be extended to the whole country.

One woman said screening was a good idea because people might be more inclined to put a stool sample in the post than consult their GP about a bowel problem. Someone else suggested that the screening programme relieved pressure of work for the GPs.

He suggests screening for bowel cancer is money well spent and might reduce pressure of work for GPs. He says screening is simple and advises everyone to do it.

Many people wanted to encourage others to take part in screening for bowel cancer. They said that people 'have nothing to lose' by taking part, and that it gives people peace of mind. Several who had originally thought the process was a bit messy or awkward (including a woman who had arthritis and who found that taking part in screening was a 'bit of an ordeal' and 'a little inconvenient') still encouraged others to take part. Many others said that screening is a simple operation, nothing to be nervous about. One woman said that it was easy as long as you follow instructions.

Suggests that it is better to act sooner rather than later and that if he hadn't been screened there might have been terrible consequences.

We also sought the views of people who had opted out of the screening programme (Their views are covered in 'Why some were reluctant or did not take part'.)

Last reviewed October 2010.

Last updated October 2010.