It’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and patient Roger Shepherd (pictured) has shared how a home testing kit saved his life.

Millions of people have been sent bowel cancer home testing kits as part of a new NHS campaign, which aims to increase the uptake of home testing to ensure early diagnosis. An early diagnosis could increase survival chances up to nine times.  

The faecal immunochemical test kit (FIT) requires you to take a tiny sample of your poo using a plastic stick provided. The sample is then sent to NHS labs for testing. 

The FIT kit detects small amounts of blood in poo, which is not normally visible to people. Blood can be signs of polyps (small growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum) or bowel cancer.

Roger, 58, an IT project manager, said: “The test was very straightforward. It’s so simple to complete in your own home.

“I received my results within two weeks and in my letter, it stated they’d found something. At this point I became very anxious, I started thinking the worst, googling lots of different things.

“The letter was reassuring in terms of next steps; it also included some stats which helped put my mind at ease a bit.”

In the next few days, Roger, who lives in Havering, was contacted by the screening team who offered him an appointment to discuss a further colonoscopy test.

He added: “During my appointments, the staff were very caring and also realistic. They managed my expectations throughout the entire process.”

During his colonoscopy procedure, a cancerous polyp was detected and successfully removed. 

Roger is now being closely monitored for an indefinite period following his procedure.

Describing his overall experience, he said: “It’s been a really positive experience, obviously a bit scary and worrying, but I feel extremely lucky.

“I felt healthy, I didn’t think there was anything wrong and if I didn’t participate in this, who knows? I would have probably been in pretty bad shape in a few years.

“The staff, from the admin to the consultants, were so supportive and responsive throughout.

“I’d encourage people to do the test. For the sake of a few minutes, it’s definitely worthwhile.”

The NHS’ home bowel cancer screening programme previously meant FIT kits were sent to 60 to 74 year olds. From 2021, it began expanding to include those aged over 50. Kits are sent directly to your home so make sure your GP practice has your correct address.