April 2006 is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and should have coincided with the launch of the Government's planned bowel cancer screening programme. But news that the programme is to be delayed has been greeted with dismay by cancer charities and medical professionals.

We may be reluctant to discuss our bowels in public, or even think about them in private, but bowel cancer is currently the third most-common cancer in Britain with more than 34,000 people diagnosed every year. However, studies have shown that it is extremely treatable if caught early and there is evidence that early detection can reduce mortality rates by as much as 15 per cent, making screening a vital first step.

Steve Warren, a consultant colorectal surgeon at The King's Oak Hospital, says that bowel cancer starts out as polyps, tiny, mushroom-shaped growths on the lining of the bowel. "These polyps can take between two and five years to develop into cancer," he explained. "This gives us a window of opportunity, when they can be removed and prevented from developing any further."

But the problem is that both polyps and early-stage cancer are hard to detect. "Bowel cancer has virtually no symptoms in its early stages, which means that most people don't seek help until the cancer is quite far advanced," said Mr Warren.

The King's Oak Hospital in Enfield is an accredited BUPA Bowel Cancer Centre and is now offering an affordable and simple bowel screening test kit. The test, which can be can be carried out at home, comes complete with an information pack and can be purchased for £59.00 from The King's Oak Hospital.

The service is available to anyone of any age who may have concerns about bowel cancer whereas the delayed Government screening programme is only aimed at people aged 60 to 69. People with a family history of bowel cancer or people outside of this age range who would simply like peace of mind may wish to take advantage of The King's Oak test.

The test, known as a faecal occult blood test (FOC) detects microscopic amounts of blood in the stools which may have come from polyps or cancerous growths. Of course, as Mr Warren points out, the majority of people will get the all-clear and even a positive result doesn't automatically mean something sinister.

"Blood in the stools can come from a variety of sources, " he says. "Piles, bleeding gums or even eating red meat can cause a positive result, but it does give patients the opportunity to get themselves checked out, just in case."

After the test, patients will receive their results by phone within five working days from a dedicated colorectal nurse. A copy of the report will also be sent to their GP.

Patients who receive a positive test result can be seen promptly at The King's Oak Hospital by a consultant colorectal surgeon who can then carry out more investigations.

Test kits are available from The King's Oak Hospital, Monday to Friday, 8am to 9pm and from 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays, or by calling the hospital on 020 8370 9515. More information about bowel cancer can be found by visiting the web sites www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk and at www.cancerhelp.org.uk.

In addition to regular screening, there are some things you can to do keep your digestive system in tip top condition:

  • Eat a healthy balanced diet that's low in fat and high in fibre. Try to include at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Take regular exercise.
  • Stay within your healthy weight range.
  • Get to know your bowel pattern. u Know what's normal for you.
  • Be aware of your family history. If there is bowel cancer in the family, get yourself checked out at regular intervals.

If you have any concerns visit your GP for more information.