Screening programme pays dividends in South

BOWEL screening has detected one case of cancer in the four months since the programme was launched in the southern region.

That patient is now undergoing treatment.

Four other patients were found to have precancerous polyps, which had been removed.

‘‘It’s early days but preliminary results for the first few months of the programme seem to be tracking really well in terms of our participation target,’’ programme clinical lead Jason Hill said.

The National Bowel Screening Programme started in the South in April, and more than 5000 home testing kits have been sent out.

More than 2200 returned tests have shown a negative result, while 141 tests have come back as positive for the presence of blood — which can indicate potential bowel cancer.

‘‘Everyone who has had a positive test result is contacted by their GP to arrange further investigation through a colonoscopy,’’ Dr Hill said.

‘‘We are able to see more patients needing colonoscopy within the recommended timeframe, which is two weeks for urgent cases and six weeks for nonurgent cases.’’

The programme was already showing its value, Dr Hill said.

‘‘Being able to identify and treat polyps and early stage bowel cancer is already changing people’s lives . . . more people that take part, the more of a difference we can make.’’