Detecting cancer earlier
24. Raising public awareness There will be more, and more accessible, information to help people recognise signs and symptoms that could be cancer, so that they can seek medical advice early, when treatment is most likely to be effective.
Although more women now seek early medical advice about symptoms of breast cancer, for example, too many people are too uncertain or too embarrassed to consult their doctor about bowel symptoms, or rectal bleeding, even though there are good prospects of recovery from bowel cancer if it can be treated at an early stage. The National Cancer Director will work with voluntary organisations to review the information available on all the common cancers, and see what more can be done to reach those most at risk.
25. Extending cancer screening Where screening programmes are effective they will be extended and new programmes rolled out:
- the successful breast screening programme will be extended to all women aged 65-70 by 2004, meaning that 400,000 extra women will be screened each year and screening will be available on request to women over 70
- the cervical screening programme will be upgraded: unnecessary repeat smears will be reduced, and access to further tests for those who need them will be improved
- pilots for colorectal screening will be completed by 2002 and if they prove successful screening will be introduced for all people aged 50-69
- PSA testing to detect prostate cancer will be made available, supported by information about the risks and benefits, to empower men to make their own choices
- a trial of ovarian cancer screening is underway, and a research study into lung cancer screening is being considered.
