April is bowel cancer awareness month, an important time to educate people on the symptoms to look out for, who is eligible for testing, and what support is available.
Did you know that bowel cancer is the 3rd most common type of cancer in the UK? Knowing the symptoms is extremely important, as an early diagnosis can give you a higher chance of recovery.
The main symptoms of bowel cancer are:
- Blood in your poo
- Changes in bowel habits, such as unexplained episodes or constipation or diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
9 in 10 people have a chance of being cured if it is caught in the early stages. Screening for bowel cancer is now available through the NHS to everyone between the ages of 54 and 74, expanding to include those aged 50 to 53 with the aim of completing this by the end of 2025. The NHS also send out a FIT kit every 2 years to those aged 54 and above, allowing people to take the test in the comfort of their own home.
On average:
- 97 out of 100 people who use their FIT kit do not need further tests
- 3 in every 100 people are asked to go to hospital for further tests
- 8 in every 100 people who have a colonoscopy turn out to have bowel cancer
You can download the NHS app to get reminders about cancer screenings straight to you smart device. Public information about screenings is available through NHS bowel cancer screening.
What support is available?
If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness such as bowel cancer, we can help. Our volunteers can visit you at home, offering emotional, practical and social support to make the day seem a little more manageable.
To learn more about what support we can offer, please view our services through the button below.