Huddersfield patients urged to check cancer tests

Jun 10 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THOUSANDS of residents of Huddersfield, South Kirklees and Calderdale are being urged to send back bowel cancer screening kits to help save lives.

The kits are being sent out to residents aged 60 to 69 as part of a joint screening programme.

The tests are carried out at home and returned in a hygienically sealed prepaid envelope. The kits are then sent to a laboratory in Gateshead and results will usually be returned in about two weeks.

A normal result means no further tests are needed and the person will be invited to take part in screening again in two years.

An unclear result means that the person will be asked to take the test up to two more times.

An abnormal result, where blood is found in the sample, does not mean there is a diagnosis of cancer but it does mean further tests need to be carried out and a colonoscopy (bowel examination) will be offered. This will be available at local screening centres at Calderdale Royal Hospital and Pinderfields General Hospital in Wakefield.

Kathryn Aldous, who is the screening centre manager for the area, said: “I would urge everyone who has received a kit to get it sent back now.

“This way the testing can start and results can be sent back to people as soon as possible.”

Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death with over 16,000 people dying from it each year.

Those aged over 70 can self-refer by calling 0800 7076060. To contact the screening centre phone 01422 222913.