‘Be Clear on Cancer’
The Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth (SHIP) PCT Cluster is working alongside the Central South Coast Cancer Network (CSCCN) to support a new national campaign aimed at raising awareness of bowel cancer.
The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign will run from 30 January for two months and will incorporate TV, radio, print and online advertising. It aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and encourage those with these symptoms to see their doctor.
Bowel cancer is England’s second most common cancer, with around 33,000 new cases each year. It affects both men and women and is responsible for more than 13,000 deaths a year.
Nine out of ten people diagnosed with bowel cancer are aged over 55 and those with a family history are at more risk. General awareness of the early symptoms is low, but early detection of bowel cancer makes it more treatable.
Dr Richard Roope, GP lead for CSCCN said;
“Many people believe if you have bowel cancer it is a death sentence. This really isn't the case - if caught early over 90% of cases will be cured. As a result it’s important for people to be aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer - it could be a life-saver. If you have blood in your poo or looser poo for three weeks or more, then see your GP.
“Sadly I have had patients that have left worrying symptoms for months and when they visit me it’s too late - their bowel cancer was incurable. But I also have had other patients that have come to see me at the first sign of a problem and they go on to have successful treatment for their bowel cancer.
“It’s very straightforward for your GP to examine you and determine whether to send you for further tests. If your GP suspects it might be bowel cancer you will see a specialist within two weeks and they will then arrange for further tests and, if necessary, treatment. You will either get reassurance that it isn’t bowel cancer, or you will find out it is and have a better chance of survival”
It is estimated that 1,700 additional lives could be saved each year if England’s bowel cancer survival rate matched the best in Europe.
The main signs and symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in poo or looser poo for three weeks or more.
For further information about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, please visit www.nhs.uk/bowelcancer
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