April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month!
Islington Primary Care Trust (PCT) is encouraging men and women in Islington aged 60 and over to carry out a simple potentially life saving test which can help spot the early signs of Bowel Cancer.
The new NHS programme for Bowel Cancer Screening was promoted at the Whittington Hospital, local supermarkets and community groups in Islington throughout April, to raise awareness of the importance of completing the screening kit.
The Whittington event – organised by Whittington staff together with colleagues from Islington primary Care Trust and UCLH – was attended by members of the general public as well as hospital staff. An information stall was set up to provide leaflets and resources for people to find out more about the programme and nurses were on hand to answer any questions.
The introduction of this new and important screening programme is good news as it means that bowel cancer may now be identified and diagnosed at the earliest possible stage when there is the best chance of a successful treatment.
Within the next two years, men and women aged 60-69 will automatically be sent their first invitation and test kit, complete with full instructions, through the post.
People over the age of 70 may also participate by ringing free phone 0800 707 6060 to request a test kit.
You can reduce your risk of bowel cancer by:
- 2-yearly bowel screening from age 60
- Eating plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre and limiting fat and red meat
- Exercising regularly
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
Further information is available at www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk
Last updated21 Apr 2008