If you’re aged 50-74, a bowel cancer screening kit will automatically be sent to your home address by post every two years. It’s important that you use it and send it back so you can keep enjoying the moments that you love. Like celebrating big milestones with family and enjoying your hobbies and retirement!
Though you might have the best intentions, a third of people across the region do not return their kits. You might be tempted to put it off or push it to the back of your mind, but bowel cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the North West.
That’s why using and returning your kit as soon as you receive it is so important as screening helps to prevent bowel cancer or find it at an early stage when it’s easier to treat. Meaning it could save your life.
Our latest campaign, “I’m Here Today”, features six people from across the region whose bowel cancer was detected by the screening kit. By returning their kits, they were able to continue enjoying the moment that mean the most to them.
To use the bowel cancer screening kit, you will need to collect a sample of poo on a plastic stick and put it into a small tube before returning it by post to the NHS for testing.
It’s important that you send it back as soon as you can, as early detection is key to finding cancers at an earlier stage which are then easier to treat.
The test is quick and easy to complete. You can watch a video here of the steps to follow.
If you’re 75 or over or have previously had a kit and did not return it, you can ask for a bowel cancer screening kit by phoning the free helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
If you notice any symptoms of bowel cancer, don’t wait to receive your kit. Contact your GP instead.
The important thing is to remember what is normal for you and your bowel habits. However, these are the symptoms to look out for. Particularly if they last for 3 weeks or more, such as:
Tummy discomfort
Blood in poo
Diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
A feeling of not having emptied your bowel after going to the toilet
Pain in your stomach or bottom
Your poo is loose, pale or looks greasy
If you see something that doesn't look quite right, chances are it's nothing to worry about. But it's better to speak to your GP as soon as possible for a better outcome.
