Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland is supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s campaign to urge more people to take part in bowel cancer screening and save lives, as part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April.
More than 1,500 people die from bowel cancer in Scotland every year, it’s the country’s second biggest cancer killer. However, it shouldn’t be. It’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.
Bowel cancer screening can save lives but at the moment in some areas of the country only half of those who receive a test complete it.
Thousands of people are missing out on the chance to detect bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat.
Neil Bibby MSP said, “I fully support Bowel Cancer UK’s commitment to improving uptake rates for bowel cancer screening, both locally and nationally. Taking part in bowel cancer screening is the best way to get diagnosed early. I would urge constituents over 50 who receive a bowel screening test in the post to seriously consider using it and for younger people to encourage those they care about to take the test. Early diagnosis really can save lives.”
Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said, “I’d like to thank Neil Bibby for supporting our campaign during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month to raise participation levels for bowel cancer screening. In Scotland, one in 15 men and one in 19 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime but it is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.”
The Scotland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme can detect bowel cancer at an early stage in people with no symptoms when it is easier to treat. If you’re registered with a GP and aged 50-74, you will receive a test in the post every two years. You carry out the simple test at home in private and it comes with step by step instructions. The test looks for hidden blood in your poo, which could be an early sign of bowel cancer.
Visit Bowel Cancer UK’s website to find out how you can get involved in their campaign for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month: bowelcanceruk.org.uk.