NHS Blackburn with Darwen is backing a new campaign to highlight the early signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.
The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign launched by the Government encourages people aged 60–74 to get tested early.
Lancashire already has its own screening programme - the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme - Lancashire, which is linking in with the new Government campaign to encourage more people in the county to get tested.
NHS Blackburn with Darwen’s director of public health, Dominic Harrison, is urging residents of the borough to heed the advice.
He said: “Spotting cancer early saves lives. More than 90 per cent of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at the early stage survive for at least five years compared with only 6.6 per cent of those diagnosed at the late stage. The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign is designed to make people aware of the early signs and to give them the confidence to talk to their GP.”
If you are aged 60 – 74 and registered with a GP you will be sent a free home test kit in the post. It is very easy to use in the comfort of your home.
A pre paid envelope is provided which will return the kit to the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme Midlands & North West Regional Hub who will carry out a series of tests, process the results are send a report back to the GP and patient.
Dr Helen Lowey, Consultant in Public Health for NHS Blackburn with Darwen, added: “Most changes in bowel habits probably won’t be cancer but if they are it is much better to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. If you notice a change that lasts three weeks or more - whether it’s looser stools, bleeding or anything else that is unusual for you - you should report the symptoms to your doctor without further delay."
If you are aged 75 or over, you can request a home test kit by calling 0800 707 6060.
Bowel Cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK with about 38,610 people being diagnosed in 2007. It is also the second most common cancer in women after breast cancer. In men, it is the third most common cancer after prostate and lung cancer.
More information on ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign and cancer awareness in general can be found here >>>
