UK: Bowel cancer awareness month – time to get tested

Bowel cancer is the second biggest killer in the UK, with nearly 3,500 people diagnosed and 1,300 people dying from the disease each month.

In the UK, April 2017 is bowel cancer awareness month and the campaign is concentrating on screening.  “Screening can detect bowel cancer early before any symptoms appear, when it is easier to treat. It can also prevent bowel cancer from developing in the first place by picking up non-cancerous growths (polyps) which could become cancerous in the future.”

In the UK, anyone aged 60-74 (50-74 in Scotland) will receive the free test in the post each year.  In the East of England, only 58% of people who are sent the free test complete it.  That means over 40% ignore it.

“You have to collect three samples of your poo, over a maximum of two weeks (10 days in Scotland), and send it back in the hygienically-sealed freepost envelope provided. You carry out the simple test at home in private and it comes with clear step by step instructions. The test looks for hidden blood in your poo, which could be an early sign of bowel cancer. You usually get the results of your test in about two weeks.”

The earlier bowel cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to cure.  So even if you are under 60 and will not get the free test directly, you should be aware of the symptoms.  Symptoms include bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo, a change in your bowel habits lasting three weeks or more, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness for not obvious reasons, a pain or lump in your tummy.  These symptoms could also be caused by something other than bowel cancer, but your doctor can do the necessary tests to confirm.

Around 24% of bowel cancer cases in England are diagnosed when they are presented as an emergency.  Around 68% of these cases are in the late stages of cancer (stages III and IV) which means a much lower chance of survival.

If you have any concerns, please see your doctor.  The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome.

Read More:  https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-us/bowel-cancer-awareness-month/ 

Main image credit:  http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/conditions/cancer/a10316/bowel-cancer/