Bowel cancer

[mybirdbuddie]

I had an operation for bowel cancer some 10 1/2 years ago. I had the usual checks for the next 5 years. Ì was advised that after 10 years I should have a further check as it does re-occur, however, I have been told and read that after the age of 75, this would no longer be necessary (I am close to 84 years ). I find this most unacceptable and would appreciate if somebody could advise me if this is due to my age..saving NHS money. I am very put out about this and feel it most unfair . I like everyone else would like to be looked after no matter my age..this also applies to anyone over the age of 75years too????

[chubby2x22]

Good morning. Tell your gp you want the test and scan. Do not take no for an answer, I'm 77 and had 4 bowel scans last month . Go for it. Stay safe. Jane

[mybirdbuddie in reply to chubby2x22]

Thank you for your advice and information Jane...not going to let it pass me by!!!

[bantam12]

My mum was checked for 5 years after bowel cancer then considered cured so no further follow ups and she had no problems, obviously if she had symptoms return she would have been seen.

My husband who had different cancer twice was followed up for 10 years then discharged from oncology care.

[mybirdbuddie in reply to bantam12]

Thank you for your response bantam...just wonder why age has come into it. Surely your health is important more so than changing regulations for the older person??

[bantam12 in reply to mybirdbuddie]

The thinking was that after 5- 10 years clear it was unlikely to return.

[Martinmartin]

Please demand the scan, you can justify it by not knowing your status negatively affecting your well-being. You are a cancer survivor and life-long tax payer so you should demand a fair treatment.

[mybirdbuddie in reply to Martinmartin]

Thank you Martinmartin, for your concern. Am waiting for a message from my surgeon's secretary...I really do feel put out and angry.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello mybirdbuddie ,

Thank you for posting and I'm sorry to hear about this! I can only imagine how upsetting this is to hear after you survived bowel cancer, and are trying to get screened to ensure you remain cancer free.

I'm not sure how helpful all this is, but I did want to share with you my understanding of what doctors have told me when it comes to saying that a patient's age means they should stop getting colonoscopy's performed.

For people who have NOT had colorectal/bowel cancer, it is true that the doctor may say that there is no need to perform the colonoscopy. My understanding of the idea behind this, is that because colorectal cancer can be such a slow growing cancer, that the individual is not likely to develop colorectal cancer. and if they did develop it, that they would be at an advanced age where treatment would not be recommended if they did have it.

I am not saying I agree with this, just my understanding of why some doctors do not recommend performing colonoscopy's after a certain age. I also believe I have heard about the risk of undergoing the procedure (sedation, risk of bowel perforation, etc.) not outweighing the benefits of the procedure.

Having said all that - I absolutely believe it is your right to advocate to get checked out, particularly given your past history of bowel cancer.

As it relates to how to best fight for your colonoscopy, I may suggest reaching out to Bowel Cancer UK bowelcanceruk.org.uk/ and/or Digestive Cancers Europe digestivecancers.eu/

Please keep us updated and we are here for you.

~Nicole @ GCCA

[mybirdbuddie in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Thank you so much Nicole for your informative response to me. However my consultant surgeon who did my operation some 10 + years ago phoned me last week and, like you have mentioned, my age is against me due to the risks of performing a colonoscopy, which I fully understand. He said that he will send me a stool sample kit which is now used in preference to the colonoscopy for persons in my age group. I did say that some 5 years ago a small polyp was seen and my concern was and still is, has it become larger and the fact that,unfortunately, a stool test will not show this!! He agreed and said if necessary he will arrange a colonoscopy which I requested that he perform this. Will keep you informed.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hi mybirdbuddie , I am glad to hear that your doctor is open to performing a colonoscopy (possibly). Exact Science's makes a "sDNA" (stool DNA test) called Cologuard that looks for abnormalities in your DNA that slough off in your colon/feces. I believe that this test is only approved for people who have never had colorectal/bowel cancer. I see that it is now available in the UK, but again, I don't believe it is meant for people who have had bowel cancer.

Hopefully by keeping in touch with your doctor and sharing YOUR preference for how you, as a bowel cancer survivor, are monitored, will be respected. I hope that you will be able to get that colonoscopy that you want for peace of mind.

We're here for you

~Nicole @ GCCA

[mybirdbuddie in reply to Nicole_GCCA]

Thank you dear Nicole for your time and advice..much appreciated...I shall keep you informed. Keep safe and take care. Xx