Bowel cancer screening
Bowel (colorectal) cancer accounted for some 10% of all cancer deaths over 2011 (England and Wales).
Bowel cancer survival is much higher the earlier it is diagnosed.
Stage of Diagnosis
Five year survival rate (%)
Stage A
93
Stage B
77
Stage C
47
Stage D
7
Unknown
25
Data sourced from Department of Health 2010b; Cancer Research UK 2011c; Period of study 1996 -2002.
Yet with this backdrop, a relativley low proportion of these cancers are diagnosed in the earliest stage.
Stage of Diagnosis
Percentage diagnosed (%)
Stage A
8.7
Stage B
24.2
Stage C
23.6
Stage D
9.2
Unknown
34.3
Data sourced Cancer Research UK. Period of study 1996 - 2006.
As such, a national screening programme which is aimed almost purely at increasing early detection of such cancers is anticipated to reduce mortality attributable to this cause over the next two decades.
It is also worth noting that ultimately this will also depend upon the actual screening uptakeas well as the efficacy of cancer detection at the earliest stage.