Local Nursing Lecturer praises Worcestershire Acute’s Bowel Screening Programme for rapid pre-cancerous treatment

Tuesday 28 February 2023

Local Nursing Lecturer praises Worcestershire Acute’s Bowel Screening Programme for rapid pre-cancerous treatment

A Lecturer of Nursing has praised the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust for its rapid pre-cancerous referral and is urging others to take the test. 

Geoff White aged 63 from Worcestershire was sent a home test kit, called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) two years ago, aged 61. As part of the test, a small stool sample is sent to a lab where it’s checked for tiny amounts of blood.

After carrying out the test, he received a follow up call to book him into a colonoscopy for further checks. He says: “I was a registered nurse for over 40 years and had moved back to my home town of Worcestershire to be close to my family after working as an Associate Chief Nurse in Jersey. I re-registered with my GP on return and within a week I received the test kit from the Bowel Screening Programme through the post.

“I had absolutely no unusual bowel symptoms or pain so, after sending a sample back, I was shocked to be told I needed a colonoscopy after they’d found an abnormality. I was booked in at Worcestershire Royal Hospital within three to four weeks and during the colonoscopy they found a Type 4 pre-malignant polyp.

A polyp is a growth of tissue that sticks out of the lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps are benign, meaning that they’re not cancer and they won’t spread, but over time certain types can develop into cancer. 

Geoff adds: “Within weeks I was booked in for an operation at Malvern Community Hospital to remove the polyp which my consultant advised, if left untreated, had up to 30 per cent chance of turning cancerous. The service I received was incredible. They even tattooed the area where the polyp was found so they could easily identify the area to check for any potential regrowth in future tests.

“This was the during the height of Covid and considering how busy they were, I was looked after remarkably well by consultant Stephen Lake and his team and all the staff.”

Geoff who now educates the next generation of nurses as a Lecturer at the University of Worcester, said: “With all my experience of working for the NHS, you would think I’d be less nervous but I honestly didn’t need to worry. From the minute I sent the FIT test back, I has such amazing service, care and attention.

“I am a huge advocate for the health service and if ever there was a better exemplar of what ‘excellence’ looked like, the service provided by this team, in my opinion, exemplified this.”

And talking specifically about the FIT test which detected the abnormality, Geoff says: “Without a shadow of doubt, the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme potentially saved my life and I realise how fortunate I am compared to others. I’ve been telling all my friends and anyone who will listen, if you get the test sent home, take it and send it back. There’s no need to be squeamish. Take it from me, my experience and those of others less fortunate, the worst thing you can do is ignore it.”

Bowel cancer is the 4th most common type of cancer. Screening can help prevent this type of cancer or find it at an early stage, when it’s easier to treat. 

And Geoff’s story coincides with NHS England’s Bowel Screening awareness campaign targeted at 56 to 74 year-olds. The six-week campaign running now is aimed at increasing awareness of the FIT home testing kit and ultimately improving uptake. 

TV adverts will be seen across key channels and social media, with other media, press and PR activity planned. The campaign will have a particular focus on groups where uptake of the bowel cancer screening kit is lower, with community radio and translated materials planned. 

Mr Stephen Lake, Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Director said: “I am very pleased that Geoff did the test which led to his early diagnosis and treatment and that he found the service to be supportive and helpful at all stages. His message coincides with the current national campaign which is focussed on encouraging individuals to participate when invited – do the test – don’t delay or throw it away.”

Emma Duggan, Manager of the Bowel Screening Programme at Worcestershire Acute said “We have such great feedback from many patients just like Geoff. I’m proud of our team and the high quality care we provide for our patients.”            

Everyone aged 60 to 74 years who is registered with a GP and lives in England is automatically sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit every two years. The programme is expanding so that everyone aged 50 to 59 years will soon be eligible for screening. Make sure your GP practice has your correct address so your kit is posted to the right place.

If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60. You can read more about bowel screening here – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/

If you’d like to donate to the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme or learn more about Bowel Cancer, follow this link – https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/