George Aligiah Rip.

Respect to a proper gentleman.

R.I.P. A charming man. Yeah as you say though. God knows what they will do when Gary goes.  20 minutes and a whole evening of programming ?

Seemed a decent chap, a 5 min tribute at the end of the news would of been enough imo.

Is there much call for edgy eulogies? Seems like niche market.

Bowel cancer is a killer if not spotted early. I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis for which I take tablets. As a result I have to have regular blood tests. In December 2018 immediately after a blood test my doctor telephoned me to say they were concerned with the results and arranged for me to have a colonoscopy on Christmas eve. My daughter took me in case I couldn't drive back and I knew during the colonoscopy that something was wrong. The whole atmosphere changed.  I was kept behind where the doctor told me, with my daughter, that I had bowel cancer. They had taken 18 biopsies. It was a really difficult moment. I was due to receive the results a week later but I was away in France then. So they told me to go away as planned and they telephoned me with the results. They had arranged an operation on 29th January. It went successfully, they removed 300mm of bowel and I have been fine ever since. I was discharged in March last year.
When I read about others like George Aligiah I realise how exceedingly lucky I was. Had I missed that blood test it could easily have been me. I felt perfectly well and I never at any time knew something was wrong. There were absolutely no warning signs. 
My advice is please get checked regularly. A blood test or internal check takes just moments and the peace of mind it gives is invaluable.

That's great to hear Brigust, George himself said if he'd found it earlier he may have survived, well pleased for you.

Yes, I echo Stewarts words.

If you're over 55 you should get a free "poo stick" test on the NHS via your GP.  Done at home and posted off for a check.

Yes Longbridge  I assumed everyone got one, I recieve  mine every few years, not really much hassle to complete and we'll worth the peace of mind.

But do they call some in so the trainees can have a bit of practise ( colonoscopy )

Thanks guys. I always did the poo test but this must have fallen between the gaps. I have regular blood tests and PSA tests, although they are not perfect, and occasional doctor visits. This is a cancer which is easily detectable, unlike many cancers, and can be deadly unnecessarily.

PSA tests here too; again, very little effort for some peace of mind.

Great brigust.
What can a blood test tell the doctors regarding the big c.
Also regarding the colonscoy.what exactly happens. As I know someone who is going for it soon

Freddie, the blood test told my doctor something was wrong and she arranged an immediate colonoscopy. When you arrive at the Centre you get offered painkillers which means you cannot drive for about an hour afterwards. You lay down on your side and they just get on with it. It takes about 15 minutes. I never had painkillers because I am not great at taking pills. It was a bit uncomfortable to say the least. It takes about 15 minutes and I never saw anything because it was behind me. I swore I would have painkillers next time but I had another a few months ago and never took painkillers then and that was OK. They know pretty quickly if everything is OK and then they send you home.

The worst part of that procedure is the preperation which involves laxatives and a diet.

The poo stick - the last word in "$hit posting" 

I've had 2 in recent years.  Early detection is key.

Shame it was George.  Clive Myrie - now that would've been a different proposition.  Worthless ocular contusion.

I think they only look for traces of blood on the sticks.

Sparrow you are so right about that. I had forgotten about the disgusting laxative drinks you must take the day before. Absolutely gross.

my dad had a colonoscopy, luckily nothing found but his habits have not been the same since.

saddo - that is my understanding - but at levels one would not notice oneself, in the hope of catching these things before they get serious.

freddie

"What can a blood test tell the doctors regarding the big c."

My understanding is that cancer cells make distinctive chemicals which would otherwise not be present or not present at such levels and can be detected in blood.

Regular colono screenings here last few years due to family history
Hit and miss with "comfort"
Pumped full of air
Watched it on the operation tv a few times - interesting
Could beat Usain Bolt over 5 yards once done the 'prep' lol

Just been told they reviewing all colonos screenings due to peoples age
Too much intrusion if not got
Too late if got
On your own to deal with

freddie

I have recently had a colonoscopy having put it off for a couple of years. People I spoke to who had had one said I should have the gas and air they offer during the procedure as it is uncomfortable.

Being a brave sort I declined the offer whilst baring all to the consultant. The most painful bit was his initial finger examination and I "mildly" suggested that if it was going to hurt that much I'm off!!

I think the colon is around 2.5meters and bends shortly after entering your arris. As the camera etc made it's way around this first bend I felt as if I had chronic wind - would have been better if I had been warned!!!

The rest of the journey to the end of the maze was much less of a problem.

The return leg similarly okish and I actually watched the screen as the camera reversed its way taking more interest in what was what. Nothing to see here as it was all clear barring one polyp in the entrance to my rectum.

Just warn your friend that the first left-hander is a bit sharp but the rest of the journey is a breeze - well sort of.