Someone dies of bowel cancer every 30 minutes in the UK. But with your help we can change that.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. The earlier we find bowel cancer, the easier it is to treat and the chances of survival are higher.
If you have any of the following symptoms they could be a sign of bowel cancer, so make an appointment to see your GP straight away:
- Change in your bowel habits lasting three weeks or more
- Bleeding from your bottom or blood or mucus in your poo
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy.
Bowel screening is one of the best ways to detect bowel cancer at an early stage. It can also detect changes in the bowel that could lead to cancer in the future.
Men and women aged between 56 and 74 (who are registered with an NHS GP) are invited to take part in bowel cancer screening, using the home test kit.*
You will receive the kit through the post every two years and complete it in the comfort of your own home.
The test, called the FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) kit will ask you to collect a tiny sample of poo. This sample is returned to us using the pre-paid envelope and is then tested for traces of blood, which may not be visible to the naked eye. Blood is a possible sign of cancer.
If blood is identified you will be invited to discuss further tests, such as a colonoscopy.
If you’re aged 75 and over, you can contact the bowel cancer screening helpline every two years to request a kit.
The South of Tyne Bowel Cancer Screening Service is a collaboration with Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust and South Tyneside and Sunderland Foundation Trust, serving communities across Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside.
We will be raising awareness of the bowel cancer screening programme throughout April and hosting a series awareness sessions with local businesses and events out in the community. Events are taking place at
Asda South Shields – Thursday 13th April from 11am to 2pm
Asda Boldon – Friday 28th April – Asda Boldon 11am to 2pm
For more information about bowel screening contact the bowel cancer screening helpline: 0800 707 6060 or visit https://www.gatesheadhealth.nhs.uk/services/bladder-bowel/screening/
There is more information about potential symptoms here: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/
You can also watch this short film:
* Our screening age is changing and will eventually include people from 50 years.
