31 March 2016

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK. However it shouldn't be because it is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. The UK’s leading bowel cancer research charity, Bowel Cancer UK, is using Bowel Cancer Awareness Month to focus on screening.

Screening can save lives but at the moment in some areas of the UK only a third of those who receive a test complete it. Thousands of people are missing out on the chance to detect bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat. Screening will help stop people dying from bowel cancer. Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stage will survive bowel cancer. However, this drops significantly as the disease develops. Taking part in bowel cancer screening is the best way to get diagnosed early. If you are over 60 (or over 50 in Scotland), take the test when you receive it in the post. If you are younger, tell the people over 60 (or over 50 in Scotland) in your life, to take the test. We can all therefore raise awareness of bowel cancer screening this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

Find out more about bowel cancer screening

Book a talk at your workplace or community group. Bowel Cancer UK  have a team of volunteers across the UK who deliver clear, comprehensive, evidence-based talks on symptoms, risk factors and screening. If a volunteer is not available in your area, they can provide a film for you to show. Book a talk here

Order a Bowel Cancer Awareness Month information pack

Bowel Cancer UK can provide you with a free information pack to hold a display during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. The pack contains a selection of booklets, posters and leaflets which you can use to raise awareness of bowel cancer. Order an information pack here Further Information

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