April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland. Being aware of the key symptoms and contacting your GP if things do not feel right can help increase the chances of an early diagnosis. You are 14 times more likely to survive bowel cancer if it is found early.
Facts about bowel cancer
o Every 15 minutes somebody is diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, that is nearly 43,000 people each year;
o Bowel cancer is more common in the over 50s but it can affect people of all ages;
o Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. However, it should not be because it is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early;
o Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However, this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
o Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo;
o A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit;
o Unexplained weight loss;
o Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason;
o A pain or lump in your tummy.
Most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer – other health problems can cause similar symptoms. If you have one or more of these, or if things just do not feel right, contact your GP.
Christine Reid, health improvement team leader, said: “Please get to know the symptoms of bowel cancer and if you think you have one or more, don’t ignore it or be embarrassed, speak to your GP. Most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer, but if things don’t feel right, get it checked, it could save your life.”
Bowel Cancer UK has developed a leaflet explaining what the disease is, who is at risk and what symptoms to look out for. View the leaflet at http://firstport2/staff-support/knowledge-services/public-health/Staff%20Emails/What%20Is%20Bowel%20Cancer%20leaflet.pdf
For more information, visit: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/
Bowel cancer help, resources and support is available from organisations including:
o Cancer Research UK: www.cancerresearchuk.org
o Macmillan: www.macmillan.org.uk
NHS Inform is Scotland’s national health information service (www.nhsinform.scot). It provides access to a range of health and wellbeing information including bowel cancer and bowel screening. The website is also home to Scotland’s Service Directory, a source of reliable, quality assured information containing details of local and national health and wellbeing services and support groups.
