Cancer survivor wants screening for younger people

Richard Newhouse had previously visited his GP for blood tests

A father who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 38 wants to see screening offered to younger people.

Richard Newhouse, 42, from Derby, had to have his large bowel removed after being diagnosed in 2019.

Routine screening in England is available from age 54 to 74, when a home-testing kit is sent through the post.

Mr Newhouse is encouraging younger people with symptoms to get checked even though it can be an "embarrassing subject".

Mr Newhouse is cancer free but receives regular check-ups

Mr Newhouse was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer during a visit to A&E after being sick for a few hours.

He had previously visited his GP for blood tests and was exploring the possibility of a food intolerance or allergy.

The day after his diagnosis in hospital, he says his GP called with blood test results and said it was nothing serious.

Mr Newhouse said: "I don't think the awareness and training is quite there for younger bowel cancer sufferers.

"This is not in the slightest against GPs in general, but certainly if you're young and you've got symptoms and they're not making sense, I think it makes life trickier."

Early diagnosis

Mr Newhouse had abdominal pains, fatigue and sickness for about six weeks.

He is encouraging people to talk about their symptoms.

He added: "There is nothing pleasant about extracting part of your stool and putting it in a box and having it sent off for testing but it's so worth it because if that gives you early diagnosis it's great."

Genevieve Edwards Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK said: "Bowel cancer is most common in people over 50 but it can, and does effect people of any age.

"Nine in ten people will survive bowel cancer so it's treatable and curable if it's caught early so that's why it's really important that if you're at all worried go and see your GP."

GPs can also offer the Fit test to patients of any age with symptoms.

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