National Bowel Screening Programme - over 60's only?

Andy From Sligo

Didnt know whether to post this in Health section or not, but I will post it here and see how it goes - if a moderator wants to move it into another correct section that will be grand too.

This here National Bowel Screening Programme for over 60's .. how did they come up with the figure of age 60's and over, and not lower the scheme to say 50's or even 40's? - is it because the statistics say that more people over 60 get bowel cancer? - or is it down to costs? (or rather saving costs?)

Gatling

It could be down to statistics or those most at risk from developing the condition

cbyrd

Andy From Sligo wrote:

This here National Bowel Screening Programme for over 60's .. how did they come up with the figure of age 60's and over, and not lower the scheme to say 50's or even 40's? - is it because the statistics say that more people over 60 get bowel cancer? - or is it down to costs? (or rather saving costs?)

I know from experience that say a close family member dies of bowel disease/cancer any immediate family with bowel problems will be screened from their 40's.
My dad died from cancer that started in the bowel and I had digestive problems. At age 38 they said before you turn 45 we'll do a scope to see everything is ok.
I was called in February to attend a week later but had to cancel because I was pregnant. I'll be called again in june. I was 43 in March.

The age group picked I'd say is to do with a higher risk group due to other health factors too, like maybe diabetes.

whoopsadoodles

Because the risk of Bowel cancer is greater after the age of 60.

And they have to start somewhere.

They will be extending the screening to those aged 55 - 74 over time.

You can still have the test done privately if you wish or if you are showing any symptoms at any age, you can be referred for testing. Symptoms and further information can be found here.