This year is a reminder of the enduring power of cooperation and collective action. When we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for: a healthier, brighter world without cancer. Together, all of our actions matter.
Be Cancer SAFE is part of the Social Movement in Health initiative, commissioned by the Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group and based at Voluntary Action Rotherham. You can follow their social media accounts: Facebook, @BeCancerSafeRB, and Twitter, @BeCancerSafe_RB.
They are raising awareness of symptoms to look out for.
Bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK, most people diagnosed are over the age of 60.
The exact cause of bowel cancer is not known, but there are a number of things that can increase your risk. These include your age, diet, being overweight, being inactive, drinking alcohol, smoking and family history.
Bowel cancer screening can detect bowel cancer at its earliest stage, when there is a nine in 10 (90%) chance of curing it.
It is important to know the signs and symptoms and to contact your GP if you notice a change:
- Blood in your poo
- Persistent change in your bowel habits
- Abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating always brought on by eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain or lump in your tummy
If you are 60 to 74 years, you will automatically be invited to do a home testing kit every two years, this will be posted to you by the Bowel Screening Hub. If you are 75 years or over, you can ‘opt in’ every two years by calling their free helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
For further information and support visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk.