A new NHS Bowel Screening Programme is being launched across Wales later this year, aimed at men and women aged 50 and above.

Bowel Screening Wales looks set to launch the programme around October 2008 for all eligible people aged between 50 and 74.

The Programme, which has been established and managed by the Screening Services Division of Velindre NHS Trust, will be phased in by age range, with people aged between 60 and 69 being invited first.

The screening test will consist of a home testing kit, which will be sent to participants through the post. They will be invited to complete the test in the privacy of their own home, post it back, free of charge, and will receive the results within a couple of weeks.

Helen Jessop, a Screening Promotion Officer for Bowel Screening Wales commented: “Bowel Cancer – often referred to as Colorectal Cancer – is the third most common cancer in men and women in Wales, with over 2000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is also the second most common cause of cancer death in men and women, and the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with bowel cancer is around 1 in 20 for women and one in 18 for men.

“Research evidence shows that the mortality rate can be reduced by the introduction of screening, and we hope that people will take advantage of the free home test, which could potentially save their lives.”

For further information, log onto:  www.bowelscreeningwales.org.uk

A Helpline Number will be available once the Programme launches.