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Cancer survivor says wife's plea to use home kit saved his life

Brian Thompson A man, a woman and a dog sit together on a sofa to pose for a photo. The man is wearing a brown top and green trousers. The woman is wearing a black cardigan and atop decorated with petals and jeans. The small brown and white dog, who is a jack russell, is sitting on her lap. The man has his arm around the shoulders of the woman and the woman's hands are on the dog.Brian Thompson
James Walker said his wife Donna encouraged him to take the test

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."

Brian Thompson A man smiles into the camera. He's wearing a navy coat and a brown top. He's outside. The background is blurred but he's outside.Brian Thompson
Mr Walker says he took a test at home

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.

Getty Images An elderly man is sitting on a sofa with his hand on his stomach. His bent over as if he's in pain.Getty Images

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:

  • Bowel cancer: People aged between 60 and 74 will be sent a home screening test every two years and is aimed at those who have no symptoms of bowel cancer
  • Breast cancer: The health minister says women, including some transgender men, women and non-binary people, are eligible for breast screenings between 50 and 70 every three years. For those over 70, screenings need to be requested
  • Cervical cancer: All women, aged between 25 and 49, are invited to attend a cervical screening test every three years. For women aged between 50 and 64, the invitation comes every five years