DONATE TO SUPPORT 40TUDE'S HALF:TIME TEST CAMPAIGN

In response to the alarming increase in colon cancer cases in the under 50s, 40tude has launched a new initiative designed to encourage people aged between 45-49 to get tested for colon cancer.

Colon cancer in the under 50s has increased by 22% in the UK since the 1990s, the highest percentage increase in Europe.  By 2030, it is expected that colon cancer will be the leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women under 50. (Source: American Cancer Society). 

Early detection saves lives: 90% of patients survive if it is found at Stage 1, but only 10% survive Stage 4. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is proven to reduce colon cancer incidence, however more than 30% of people do not take up testing when it is offered to them (from the age of 50).  

40tude is launching a new initiative to encourage more people to get tested at the mid-point of their lives, from the age of 45.  Our 'Half:Time' Campaign is also intended to raise awareness of colon cancer symptoms so people know to report these to their doctor (no matter what their age) as well as taking up testing as soon as it is provided. 

As a first step, 40tude is working with some corporate partners to pilot a new qFIT testing programme for those aged between 45-49.  A qFIT (Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test) is a test for colon cancer that detects hidden blood in stool. It's a simple test that can be done at home: you collect a small amount of stool (following some simple instructions) and then post the sample to a laboratory for analysis.  

40tude has partnered with Selph, a well-regarded provider of at-home health tests, to provide the qFIT tests.

This initiative is being supported by the Tom Smith Screening Fund, which was established with the funds raised by a team co-led by 40tude's Ambassador Gregor Townsend and Zoe Smith, who took on 40tude's challenge in Japan last Autumn in honour of Zoe's husband, the rugby legend Tom Smith.  Tom became an Ambassador for 40tude following his diagnosis with Stage 4 colon cancer and worked tirelessly to support 40tude before he sadly died, at the age of 50, in April 2022. 

The funds raised our Namibia 2025 Challenge Team have also been directed to our Tom Smith Screening Fund, supporting our new Half:Time Campaign.

We're proud that Brompton, Wype, Ontic, Riviera Travel, Sigma, Datapharm and SureCloud have already taken the initiative to partner with 40tude and roll out our Half:Time Test initiative, raising awareness of how important it is to get tested for colon cancer and making qFIT tests available to their employees aged between 45-49 years.

Would you like to learn more about how you could roll out this excellent initiative within your organisation?  Contact [email protected] for more.

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Would your organisation like to get on board?  Contact [email protected] to learn more