‘Match and wholesome’ father recognized with stage 3 bowel most cancers and not using a single symptom

A ‘match and wholesome’ father says taking a bowel most cancers screening check that dropped on his doorstep was like a “successful lottery ticket” after it saved his life.

Steve Hollington, 58, was recognized with stage three most cancers final yr regardless of having no signs.

The cruise ship singer had accomplished a bowel screening referred to as the faecal immunochemical check, which could be achieved at dwelling after which despatched off.

He’s now encouraging others to be take the check, which detects small quantities of blood in poo that may not be seen.

Father-of-two Steve, of Warrington, Cheshire, stated: “It’s a no brainer for me.

“I had no signs, I’d have carried on not realizing had I’ve not taken the check, and leaving it so lengthy would have virtually actually been too late to obtain the therapy I’ve.

“Taking the bowel screening equipment has saved my life, and doubtlessly given me 20 extra years to reside it.”

Shortly after returning the finished equipment, the NHS contacted Steve to say additional investigation was required.

After a colonoscopy, two tumours had been present in his bowel, which Steve says ‘fully took me unexpectedly as I didn’t have a single symptom’.

Steve underwent surgical procedure on his bowel in December, simply weeks after his prognosis, and was fitted with a stoma post-surgery to permit his bowel to heal.

He had 18 lymph nodes eliminated and is midway by way of a three-month course of chemotherapy.

Steve added: “There have been some actually worrying and emotional occasions, however I’ve tried to stay constructive.

“I really feel like I’m over the worst components of it, the surgical procedure has eliminated the tumours, the chemotherapy will hopefully mop up any of the cancerous cells and after the course has completed, hopefully I will have a stoma reversal.”

Everybody aged 60 to 74 years who’s registered with a GP and lives in England is routinely despatched an NHS bowel most cancers screening equipment each 2 years.

However the programme can also be being expanded by the NHS to incorporate folks beneath 60.

Round 70 per cent of individuals return their accomplished check kits, which consultants worry means many might miss a prognosis.

Dr Michael Gregory, medical director for NHS England North West, urged folks to finish the check and return it as quickly as they obtain it.

He stated: “Catching bowel most cancers earlier than it spreads can cut back the chance of dying and make therapy a lot extra manageable.

“The FIT equipment is a crucial a part of our screening programme, so I’d urge anybody who has acquired a equipment however has but to return it to not put it off.”

Steve, who performs as an Elton John tribute act, has reworked the star’s traditional Your Music to assist increase consciousness of bowel most cancers screening.