The facts about bowel cancer What is bowel
The facts about bowel cancer
What is bowel cancer? • Cancer that occurs in the large bowel • The large bowel is made up of your colon and rectum Colon Rectum
Common cancer Over 34, 000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in England each year Cancer Research UK
Symptoms
Factors that can increase risk • Not eating enough fibre • Eating processed meat or too much red meat • Being overweight • Smoking • Drinking alcohol • Not getting enough physical activity Bowel Cancer Risk, Cancer Research UK
Other risk factors • • Ageing Strong family history/genetic conditions Inflammatory Bowel Disease Type 2 Diabetes Having these risk factors doesn’t mean that you will definitely get bowel cancer. Bowel Cancer Risk, Cancer Research UK
Bowel cancer screening saves lives Early detection Screening can find signs of bowel cancer early before any symptoms appear, when it is easier to treat Prevention Screening can also find polyps (non-cancerous growths), which can be easily removed to reduce the risk of bowel cancer developing
Who can be screened for bowel cancer? • Everyone aged 60 -74 years • Must be registered with a GP Anyone aged 75 and over can request a test kit by calling the Bowel Screening Helpline 0800 707 60 60
The bowel cancer screening test • Quick and easy • Just one small sample of poo • Detects tiny amounts of blood • Complete in privacy at home • Arrives automatically in the post every two years Image credit: Public Health England
Using the test 1. Get ready 2. Do it 3. Post it Image credit: Public Health England
Screening in England • Around six out of 10 people take the screening test • Increasing uptake can help save more lives Take action Encourage family and friends to take the test Public Health England
Who are Bowel Cancer UK? We are the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. Our vision is a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.
What we do Information & support Campaign Research Education
How we can help Website Publications Online community Ask the nurse
How you can support us Fundraising Take part in community events that raise vital funds Partner with us Become a corporate partner of our charity Donation • Make a monthly or one-off donation • Leave a gift in your Will
- Slides: 15