Last week I had an invitation to a bowel scope screening – not the best offer I’ve ever had. The leaflet suggests I consider whether or not to go ahead with the procedure which entails using an enema, having a camera investigate the large bowel (which I would be able to watch on a TV screen at the time should I so wish) so that any polyps may be removed.
Apparently 1 in 300 tested will be found to have bowel cancer, with a further 14 having polyps.
The leaflet goes on to suggest ways of reducing the risk of bowel cancer which is as follows:
- be physically active
- keep a healthy weight
- eat plenty fruit, vegetables and high fibre foods
- eat less red meat and processed meat
- drink alcohol in moderation
- don’t smoke
Given that I do all of the above and have always done that – and that I take steps to actively reduce my oxidative stress – I’m thinking I must be in the very low risk group.
What would you do?
My 2020 Story 