This month, NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds are supporting a new campaign focused on raising awareness of bowel cancer encouraging people to check their ‘bowel movement’. 

National charity, Beating Bowel Cancer, has launched the ‘bowel movement’ campaign to run throughout April which is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. 

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in theUKwith more than 140,000 people living with the disease – not to mention the impact it has on friends and relatives. 

During April alone, a further 3,300 people across the country will be diagnosed with bowel cancer. This month, NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds is encouraging everyone to join the ‘bowel movement’, to raise awareness of bowel cancer and to visit their GP if they have any concerns about a change in their ‘bowel movements’. 

Bowel cancer can be successfully treated in 90% of cases if it is detected early. By visiting their GP with any worries, patients can improve their survival chances. It is predicted that around 5,000 lives can be saved by 2014/15 if people get diagnosed sooner. 

This April, the ‘bowel movement’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer. It is advised that if you are over 50 and experience any of the following you should visit your GP:

• Blood in your poo or loose poo for over 3 weeks;
• A change in bowel habit; and/or
• Persistent or reoccurring abdominal pain.

NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds is also reminding people that if they have been sent a free bowel cancer screening kit that they should complete and return the test. Screening can identify bowel cancer before symptoms begin, often at an early stage when it can be successfully treated. 

Anyone aged 60-74 is eligible for a bowel cancer screening test. The screening kits are sent out automatically by the National Cancer Screening Programme. Anyone eligible is sent a testing kit once every two years. 

Dr Simon Balmer, Head of Health Protection for NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds, says: “We are fully participating in Bowel Cancer Awareness Month by urging people in the area to check for symptoms which usually result in a change of your bowel movement, blood in your poo or persistent abdominal pain. If you have any of these symptoms we want to encourage you to visit your GP as early detection of bowel cancer could save your life. 

“We also want to use this month to remind people aged over 60 who have received a free bowel cancer screening kit that the bowel cancer test is a lifesaver. I know some people may feel embarrassed about completing the test but it is quick, easy and confidential. If you are aged over 60 and you’ve not had your kit don’t worry one will be sent out automatically. If you have lost your testing kit call the national helpline to request another one – it could save your life.”

If anyone is worried about bowel cancer they can speak to their family doctor (GP). Those aged 60-74 can find out more about the bowel cancer screening test by calling the national helpline on 0800 707 6060 or by visiting www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel/.