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12/05/2008

NHS Lothian is urging people to protect themselves against bowel cancer as part of national Cancer Prevention Week.

 

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland. Every year 3,500 people are diagnosed with the disease and 1,600 people die from it. 

 

As of 1st May this year, men and women aged 50 to 74 are being sent a bowel cancer testing kit to aid early detection of one of Scotland’s biggest killer cancers.

 

The testing kit is simple and easy to use and there is also a helpline and website providing advice, information and assistance. 

 

Cancer Prevention Week is organised by the World Cancer Research Fund and runs from 12-16th May.

 

The Lothian bowel cancer screening programme is part of a national scheme being introduced across Scotland over the next two years. 

 

Bowel screening prevents deaths from bowel cancer by finding and treating it early.

 

Jim Miller, 53, from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June 2006, and underwent major surgery to remove the tumour. He then received an intensive six months of chemotherapy before being given the all clear in March 2007.

 

Jim, who works as an Environmental Planning Consultant, believes early detection is crucial in fighting against cancer.

 

He said: “If the bowel screening programme had been in operation two years ago, I could have been diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier, had my operation earlier, and might have avoided the need for an arduous six months of backup chemotherapy.

 

“I fully appreciate that I am extremely fortunate to have presented early and had successful surgery and chemo, and that the nurses also have to deal with the unfortunate patients whose prognosis is bleak.

 

“Screening can lead to early detection, and as demonstrated in my story, it can be very treatable and survivable.”

 

Dr Dermot Gorman, consultant in public health medicine, NHS Lothian, said:

 

“Screening saves lives as it can detect bowel cancer at very early stages, even before any symptoms begin to occur. The test is easy to do, it comes with step by step instructions, and it could save your life.

 

“Bowel cancer is more common in men than women, so it is particularly important that men realise the importance of using the testing kits.

 

“Simple steps can also be taken to reduce the risk of cancer by stopping smoking, drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and by doing regular exercise.”

 

 Ends 

 

Notes to Editors:

 

The test involves a stool sample and the kit includes simple step by step instructions. 

 

The Scottish Bowel Screening Programme helpline is 0800 0121833 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm) and website, www.bowelscreening.scot.nhs.uk

 

Bowel cancer facts:

·         Every year 3500 people in Scotland are diagnosed with the disease

·         1600 people die from colorectal cancer in Scotland each year

·         Men have a higher risk than women

·         Early detection gives a better chance of cure

·         Bowel screening prevents deaths from bowel cancer by finding and treating it early

·         There is a 90% chance of successful treatment if the disease is detected early enough

 

Bowel Cancer Prevention

·         Take part in screening every 2 years

·         Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day

·         Eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day

·         Eat lots of fibre eg wholemeal bread, cereal, beans

·         Don’t eat too much red meat

·         Stop smoking

·         Exercise

 

Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

·         Any change in your usual bowel habit that lasts four weeks or more

·         Bleeding from the bottom or blood in your stools

·         Abdominal pain or lump

·         Extreme tiredness without obvious cause

 

If you have any worries about your bowel habit see your GP