Breakthrough screening study

In April 2010 results of a long-term study were published in the medical journal The Lancet. The study, led by Professor Wendy Atkin from Imperial College London, investigated the efficacy of screening for bowel cancer using flexible sigmoidoscopy. The results found that a single examination of the lower colon and rectum using flexible sigmoidoscopy, in those between the ages of 55 and 64 years, reduced colorectal cancer mortality by 43% and incidence by one third.

The study took 16 years to complete and involved over 170,000 trial participants, a third of whom were invited for a single examination by flexible sigmoidoscopy.

The results of this study show the significance of using a preventative diagnostic screening procedure for bowel cancer so that it can be detected at an early stage, in people who are not symptomatic. This is a big step forward for bowel cancer screening as flexible sigmoidoscopy is a short procedure which can be conducted by specialist nurses in the GP setting.

In October 2010 the Government announced that £65m would be made available to fund the roll out of flexible sigmoidoscopy (FlexiSig) screening across England. The UK National Screening Committee undertook a three month review of the technology and in April announced its recommendations that FlexiSig be  incorporated into the national bowel screening programme.

We look forward to bringing you news on the roll-out of FlexiSig when it becomes available.