April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) and Knowsley Council is supporting the campaign to ensure more people #KnowTheHigh5 symptoms of bowel cancer.
Nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stages will survive the disease. Knowing the symptoms is so important – it really could save your life.
Yet, one in three people can’t name any symptoms of bowel cancer according to Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity.
So, what should you look out for?
The red flag symptoms of bowel cancer are:
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Most people with these symptoms won’t have bowel cancer. Other health problems can cause similar symptoms. But if you experience one or more of these, or if things just don’t feel right, contact your GP straight away.
Dr Sarah McNulty, Knowsley Council Director of Public Health, said:
“Bowel cancer remains treatable and curable but early diagnosis is key. Residents should familiarise themselves with the symptoms associated with bowel cancer and seek medical advice if they are experiencing any of these.
“All Knowsley residents aged 60 to 74 who are registered with a GP will automatically be sent a bowel cancer screening kits every 2 years, so it is important that residents ensure their GP practice has the correct details.”
Someone dies of bowel cancer every 30 minutes in the UK. It’s the second biggest cancer killer, but it shouldn’t be, because it’s treatable and curable. Bowel Cancer UK is encouraging people to take their symptoms quiz and share it with others.
For more information about bowel cancer and details of how to get involved during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/bowel-cancer-awareness-month.