Home kits test for bowel cancer

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death

More than half of people in Cumbria and North Lancashire sent home testing kits for bowel cancer have taken part in a screening programme.

The �600,000 project was set up in the region in October 2008, with letters sent to 73,000 60 to 69 year old residents asking them to take part.

They then received a kit including step-by-step instructions and advice.

Of the 9,954 kits sent out, 63% of recipients chose to participate and 42 cases of cancer were detected.

In 121 cases polyps - benign tumours, which if left can become cancerous - were found.

Dr Nigel Calvert, an associate director for public health at NHS Cumbria, said: "Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK, yet most bowel cancers can be successfully treated if detected early.

"Screening like this is extremely important and potentially life-saving, but many people are too embarrassed to approach the issue themselves.

"We can already see that these kits eliminate that initial difficulty. They allow people to take the test in their own homes and will hopefully help save lives."