Bowel cancer testing scheme funded by Dame Deborah James
Brits at increased risk of bowel cancer will receive life-saving checks under a new scheme funded by Dame Deborah James’ Bowelbabe Fund. The Cancer Research UK project aims to improve access to colonoscopies used to diagnose the condition quickly while it’s still treatable.
New initiative to tackle waiting times for higher-risk patients
The project, being rolled out in the Scottish Borders, could be adopted by NHS trusts across the UK. It targets individuals at higher risk of developing bowel cancer, usually due to pre-existing medical conditions like colitis, Crohn's disease, type 2 diabetes, or family history.
Reducing waiting times and improving outcomes
Currently, these high-risk individuals are not covered by official targets and are put on 'surveillance' lists, leading to long waits for essential tests. The new initiative, part of the Test, Evidence, Transition (TET) program, aims to reduce this waiting list, offer quicker colonoscopies, and provide better support for patients.
Collaboration for a life-saving cause
The initiative, supported by CRUK and the Bowelbabe Fund, is a collaboration between NHS Borders, CRUK, and the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. With a £2 million donation, the project hopes to make a significant impact on early detection and treatment of bowel cancer.
