I agree StellaJane - although one thing that does bother me about the screening is that it can lull people into a false sense of security in that it only picks up a cancer if it is bleeding at the time of the test. It is still important to take note of changes in bowel habit even though a test is negative but not everyone is aware of this.
Taz x
Totally agree, it's the same with any screening, it's precisely that, just a screening test, that's as good as the day it's done, the rest of the time, it's up to the individual to be body conscious and be aware of any changes .
My husband isn't great with health issues either, but have to say he's very sensible about having his yearly MOT ( B/P check, cholesterol /PSA) and always does the bowel check. He's heard of one that scans men for abdominal anuresim and is going to look into that. Having said that , he avoids doctors in between if at all possible.
A friend of ours was referred on after the bowel test showed positive and is currently having treatment . He's one of the fortunate ones, had no symptoms ( that he's admitting to ! ) but was diagnosed on the basis of tests following the screening. His prognosis is as good as anyone else's now and he considers himself a lucky man. It was his wife's nagging that made him do the test, he kept " deferring ".
