April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder to take a moment for your health.
The NHS bowel cancer screening programme helps to spot bowel cancer early and before any symptoms start.
If you’re 50 to 74 and registered with a GP, you’ll receive an NHS bowel cancer screening kit every two years.
The kit will be sent to you in the post with clear instructions on how to use it at home and where to return it to. It’s quick and simple and only takes a few minutes to complete.
If you’re 75 or over, you can still take part by requesting a kit — simply call 0800 707 6060.
If a screening kit is sent to you, it’s important to use it and return it. Taking part could help detect cancer early and save your life, even if you’re feeling well and have no symptoms.
For more information about bowel cancer and how to use the screening kit visit: Bowel cancer screening – NHS
What are the symptoms of the bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer can affect anyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity or where you live.
Symptoms can include:
- bleeding from your bottom
- blood in your poo
- a change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
- losing weight but you’re not sure why
- feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
- 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.
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.