People who reach at the age of fifity five should have a screening test known as Flexi-Scope test because it could prevent bowel cancer. Bowel cancer claims thousands of lives every year.This test would prevent thousands of cases of the disease from developing and can cut the risk of death. No other bowel cancer screening technique has ever been shown to prevent the disease explained Professor Wendy Atkin, who led the research.
For the first time life saving benfits through quick examination using a sigmoidoscope is shown. In sigmoidoscope, a thin is used to check the abnormalities in the lower part of the bowel. Flexi-Scope test could cut the rate of bowel cancer death by fouty three percent. This test works by detecting and removing tiny polyps, which are grown freshly inside the bowel and if left untreated can develop into cancer after some years.
Flexi- Scope test procedure : It is painless and quick procedure in which sigmoidoscope that is plastic tube to look the lower part of the bowel is used. This instrument is about the width of the thickish pen and bendy, so that it can curve around the colon. It also has light and camera to check for abnormalities of the bowel. The sigmoidoscope is inserted into rectum about six inches. If found any polyps that migh develop into cancer are lasered off.
The experts said that Flexi-Scope procedure would actually prevent bowel cancer among the people. They suggested for blood test because it can pick some cancers in parts of the bowel where Flexi-Scope can’t reach. This test will benefit to older people because bowel cancer affects mostly old people and they will be protected from life threatening disease.