Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a complementary bowel screening methodology to the current Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) test. Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer published in January 2011 set out how, in order to save 3,000 lives a year, the Department of Health has committed to invest £60 million between 2011 and 2015 to incorporate Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (FS) into the current bowel screening programme.
NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme: Piloting of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (FS) - Advice to the NHS and bidding process sets out when pilots will begin in 2012/13. The aim is to achieve 30 per cent coverage by the end of 2013/14 and 60 per cent by the end of 2014/15. It is envisaged that a full roll out will be achieved in 2016.