Accuracy of Bowel Cancer screening kit while under treatment for a different cancer

Hello,

I am currently receiving chemo radiation followed by brachytherapy for cervical cancer.   I’ve just been sent the 2 year bowel screening kit through the post. Will my current treatment allow for an accurate screening test result or should I wait until my cancer treatment is finished and I’m free of chemicals in my blood, or should I wait for the all clear (hopefully) ?

thank you.
Paris

  • Hi Paris. Sorry to hear your on this journey but I’m hoping you are doing well with it all. 
    I too am on chemo to be followed up with radiotherapy having initially had lung surgery first. I’m half way through chemo atm and I too received the bowel screening test kit. I took the letter to my last session and asked advice. I was told that I could do it and send it off n put a note in explaining that I’m currently on treatment  so they are aware, or I could wait until treatment finished. 
    I was also told that they would be doing scans after chemo but before radiotherapy and am reassured that they will check full torso so any changes will be noted so I’m going with delaying the bowel test seeing as I’m already being monitored through bloods n scans. 

    I initially freaked when the kit came through the post. I thought “did they not think I had enough going on, the realised it was part of new roll out age related checks, so that’s a good thing. 
    you may prefer to talk with your team and ask their advice. Whatever you choose to do, I hope your current treatment goes well for you 

  • Hello Paris, and thank you for posting.

    I am not sure if you need to worry about the screening programme whilst you have everything else going on for you. It may also be that your sample is a little toxic whilst having treatment. 

    I would recommend that you call the NHS bowel screening helpline (number on this page if you scroll down) to get a definite answer on this, but I'm sure after your treatment is all finished it will be fine.

    Take care Paris and if you want to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number is Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.

  • Dear Sarah,  many thanks for your advice. It feels as if the treatment pathway is a full time job in itself, so I am content to leave the screening for now.   I have a few days off before the next brachytherapy so we’re trying to fit in some ‘treats’ and some ‘see a friend’ dates. It’s lovely to have time to breathe and feel human rather than patient. Sending positive energy to all those going through it and those going through it with those going through it. And of course those helping those going through it.

  • Thanks for replying, Hutchi. You sound as if you have a lot going on and I really wish you well as you follow your treatment programme.  I am minded to keep the focus on my cancer and leave the screening for now.