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 practice can help increase the chances of an early diagnosis. The earlier bowel cancer is spotted, the more treatable it is likely to be. In fact, more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it is diagnosed at the earliest stage.
Facts about bowel cancer
- Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK;
- Every 15 minutes somebody is diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, that is nearly 43,000 people each year;
- Bowel cancer is more common in the over 50s but it can affect people of all ages;
- 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:
- Persistent bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo;
- A change in bowel habit for more than four weeks to looser stools;
- Unexplained weight loss;
- 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, contact your GP practice.
Morag Nicholson, public health programme manager, said: “Please get to know the symptoms of bowel cancer – 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 get it checked as it could save your life.”
Bowel Screening
Bowel screening is offered every two years to people aged 50 to 74 across Scotland to help find bowel cancer early. It involves taking a simple test at home. The test looks for hidden blood in your poo, as this could mean a higher chance of bowel cancer. If you are eligible, the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre will send you a free test kit to your home address (this is the address you used to register with your GP). If you have been contacted, please do not ignore the opportunity to be screened.
For more details, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/screening. Alternatively, contact the screening helpline for Scotland on 0800 0121 833 or visit NHS Inform.
For information on bowel cancer, visit: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/
