I AM doing the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and I urge everyone who receives this test to complete it.

Lots of people receive it but do not do it and send off the results. I know at least six people who found they had a problem (polyps) which if removed early will not cause a cancer.

I had bowel cancer 12 years ago and had a tumour removed and was told I did not need chemotherapy but I chose to do it - belt and braces stuff.

My surgeon said that I had probably had the tumour for ten years.

I know I am not out of the woods and have outlived my grandfather who died of bowel cancer aged 59. I am now aged 74 and feel quite canny.

My own dad died early of a heart attack at 43 so he did not go on to develop bowel cancer but I am sure it is hereditary in my case.

Please do the poop test if you get the kit. It may just save your life.

Malcolm Rolling, Durham