A WOMAN who campaigned for bowel cancer screening to start at 50 has welcomed the news that Wales and England will lower the age limit from 60.
Alice Wymer spoke to the Cambrian News in July about the need for earlier screening following her father’s terminal bowel cancer diagnosis at the age of 52.
England and Wales have announced they will reduce the screening age from 60 to 50, in line with Scotland, and 23-year-old Alice is delighted.
“It’s brilliant to hear that the bowel cancer screening age is being lowered from 60 to 50,” she said.
“Bowel Cancer UK are a fantastic charity who have worked so hard to make this happen. I now hope that this is implemented quickly. I would also encourage people of all ages to be aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer and see their GP if they are concerned.”
Alice’s dad Patrick, now 53, received the devastating news that he had terminal cancer last year.
Since then he has spoken out about the condition and the need for earlier screening and, although it is too late for him, he is also pleased to hear England and Wales will lower the screening age by 10 years.
He said: “This is really fantastic news. As someone diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer at 52, reducing the screening age to 50 was a much-needed step!
"Had there been screening at 50, I would probably have had two screenings by the time of my diagnosis and so might not be in this position. It’s great that we are now heading in the right direction."
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