People urged to join the Bowel Movement

NHS Lanarkshire are backing a national campaign to encourage more people to talk about and take part in bowel screening.

The national campaign, which encourages Scots to‘join the bowel movement’, encourages everyone aged between 50 and 74 to do the screening test when they receive it through their door.

And the most recent national figures show NHS Lanarkshire have made huge strides in increasing the number of people taking part in bowel screening.

Dr Jennifer Darnborough, consultant in public health medicine, said:“although many people don’t like the idea of doing a bowel screening test, it’s definitely the best way to catch bowel cancer early.

“Bowel cancer is Scotland’s third most common cancer and almost 500 people are diagnosed with it every year in Lanarkshire.

“The great news is that, if it’s found early – only possible through screening, which can pick up cancer before it causes any symptoms – nine out of ten people will beat it.

“Lanarkshire people should be congratulated on taking charge of their health. They have been aided by our enthusiastic bowel screening champions – wonderful local men and women who have had cancer diagnosed through screening and gone on to have successful treatment.

“Doing the bowel screening test every time you are sent one is really important but you still need to keep any eye out for any changes that you notice in your bowel habits and, if in any doubt, pop along to see your GP to set your mind at rest.”

For more information see www. getcheckedearly.org.