Cancer survivor says wife’s plea to use home kit saved his life
A grandfather who was diagnosed with cancer following a home screening test has said early detection saved his life.
James Walker, from Dromore, County Down, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in September 2021 after taking a test at home.
It comes as Cancer Research UK launched a major campaign to encourage people in Northern Ireland to take part in life-saving screening for bowel, breast and cervical cancers.
Mr Walker, 70, said his wife encouraged him to take the test, and that the results came through a few weeks later which led to his diagnosis.
“If I hadn’t used the kit, I don’t think I’d be here now,” he told BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme.
The retired electrician said he had no symptoms and that his diagnosis was “devastating”.
He said he was grateful to his “wee wife Donna” for pushing him to take the test and urged others to take the “simple” at-home screening tests.
“Early detection was a life saver for me.”
As part of his treatment, Mr Walker underwent keyhole surgery and took chemotherapy tablets.
He has been in remission for three years, and now spends his days walking his dogs and taking his grandson to cheer on their favourite football team, Crusaders.
People aged between 60 to 74 who are registered with a GP receive a bowel screening kit every two years in Northern Ireland.
Cancer Research UK say screening is for people without symptoms.
Spotting cancer earlier
However, the charity added that uptake of screening invitations is low in Northern Ireland, with only 58% of those eligible completing the bowel cancer screening test kit.
Dr Rachel Orritt of Cancer Research UK encouraged people to not ignore their screening when they are invited to take part as it can help spot cancer at an early stage.
The charity’s data, following a survey of 1,000 people in Northern Ireland, found that about four in 10 people were put off a cervical cancer screening over fears the test would be painful.
About three in 10 have the same worries around breast cancer screenings.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said screening “isn’t something to be scared of”.
“It may actually save your life. So it is really important that when you get your letter – whether that’s for bowel, breast or cervical screening – please take up the offer.
When am I eligible for cancer screenings?
Each of the three programmes for bowel, cervical and breast screening use different tests, and have different eligibility criteria in Northern Ireland:
