The NHS has launched a new ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign across outer north east London to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer.
 
Public awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer is low. But spotting the signs early and getting medical advice could save your life.
 
“Bowel cancer affects 33,000 people every year in England with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 55,” says local GP, Dr Arun Sharma.  “It affects both men and women and is the second biggest cancer killer, responsible for more than 13,000 deaths a year.
 
“The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ message is simple. If you’ve had blood in your poo or had loose poo for more than three weeks – go to see your doctor. We want to make people aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer and make it easier for them to discuss this with their GP.  If our bowel cancer survival rates matched the best in Europe an extra 1,700 lives would be saved every year.
 
“No one likes talking about their poo – it’s embarrassing,” continues Dr Sharma. “But bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer so we need to get over the embarrassment and talk to someone about it. No matter how embarrassing it is, talking to your GP can help save your life.
 
Bowel cancer can be beaten if diagnosed early. Most changes in bowel habits probably won’t be cancer but if they are it is much better to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.

So if you notice a change that lasts three weeks or more - whether it’s looser poo, blood in your poo or anything else that is unusual for you, go and tell your doctor as it could save your life.

More than 90 per cent of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage survive for at least five years compared with only six per cent of those diagnosed at a late stage.
 

For further information about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer visit www.nhs.uk/bowelcancer