Write a commentThe Southern Health and Social Trust has got behind Bowel Cancer Awareness Month by providing health information stands on the second biggest cancer killer in the UK.
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The stands were located at Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill Hospital this week to help people learn about bowel cancer symptoms, causes, and the bowel screening programme.
The Bowel Screening Programme was launched six years ago with the aim of reducing mortality through early detection and treatment.
As part of the Bowel Screening Programme – the Southern Trust offers screening to clients aged 60 to 74. Test kits are also sent out to the homes of clients in this age range, but just over 50 percent are deciding to use the kits.
Bowel cancer is treatable and curable if it’s diagnosed early. More than nine out of ten people diagnosed with stage 1 bowel cancer survive five years or more after diagnosis.
Ronan Carroll, Assistant Director of Acute Services for Cancer and Clinical Services at the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, explains “It’s important we provide information stands like this in our hospitals. People need to understand the facts on bowel cancer and how the screening programme can play a major role in fighting it.
“The simple home test kit can be completed easily in the privacy of your own home and returned to the laboratory for analysis. The kit is used to detect traces of blood in the bowel motion, which indicates whether further tests need to be carried out.
“Although it’s important that your GP has your most up-to-date address and correct date of birth or you may miss the chance to take part in the programme.”
If you would like to learn more on bowel cancer please contact Bowel Cancer UK on 020 7940 1760 or email: admin@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
