A simple home test, which is marking two decades since its launch, has helped to identify more than 800 cases of bowel cancer in Somerset.
The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme has now reached its 20th anniversary and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is looking back on the impact the programme has had.
Since being launched in 2006, the programme has identified hundreds of cancers early and stopped thousands more from developing.
Ffion Davies, lead specialist screening practitioner at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Screening is about finding changes before people even notice symptoms.
"The FIT kit gives us an early indication that something might not be right and from there we can investigate further and, where needed, take action.
"The importance of early detection is clear as bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.
"But outcomes are significantly better when it is found at an early stage, with survival rates much higher for patients diagnosed early."
The trust’s screening service has grown into a large, multi-disciplinary team supporting patients across the county in the two decades following its launch.
In its first year, just three screeners carried out 370 procedures.
Last year, 10 screeners completed 1,250 procedures, bringing the total to over 13,500 since the programme launched.
In that time, the service has detected more than 800 cancers and removed 2,500 high-risk polyps that could have developed into malignancies.
The home testing kit, known as a faecal immunochemical test (FIT), checks for hidden blood in stool samples - an early warning sign of bowel cancer.
Eligible individuals aged 50 to 75 and registered with a GP are sent a kit every two years.
Ms Davies said: "We always encourage people to complete their FIT kit as soon as it arrives.
"It only takes a few minutes, but it could help identify something early and potentially save lives.
"If people notice any changes or symptoms, they shouldn’t wait for a screening kit - they should speak to their GP as soon as possible."
If results indicate further investigation is needed, patients are referred to specialist teams for additional tests, including colonoscopies, which can identify and remove polyps before they turn cancerous.
The screening programme has evolved over the past two decades, adopting new technologies and expanding its reach.
Amanda Knight, programme manager for Somerset Bowel Cancer Screening, said: "When the programme first began, it was much smaller and the home test was quite different.
"We’ve seen a lot of change over the years, from older types of testing to the FIT kits we use today, which are quicker and easier for people to complete at home.
"Expanding the eligible age range has also helped more people benefit from screening.
"The extension of the programme to include people from the age of 50 has made a real difference, as we’re able to pick up potential issues earlier for more patients."
Behind the scenes, a network of healthcare professionals ensures the programme runs smoothly, from specialist nurses and consultants to radiologists, pathologists and administrative staff.
Ms Knight said: "Although patients might only see one part of the pathway, there are lots of different teams involved.
"It’s a real team effort, and that collaboration is what allows us to provide safe and effective care."
The team regularly attends health events to promote screening, including workplace visits to Hinkley Point C and Numatics.
Efforts are also made to reach underrepresented groups such as farmers, armed forces personnel and people experiencing homelessness by linking with the community hubs, established support groups and community events.
Looking ahead, the team is preparing for further changes, including lowering the FIT testing threshold to catch more cases even earlier.
Ms Davies said: "The next step is reducing the threshold for the FIT kit.
"That means we will be able to detect more polyps and cancers earlier, which can improve outcomes and give patients a better prognosis.
"The change is expected to increase demand on the service, with preparations already underway to expand capacity and recruit additional colleagues."
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