Reading Bowel Cancer Screening Campaign
0A campaign to increase the uptake of bowel cancer screening is being launched in Reading on January 14th.
Pharmacists will be taking part in a month long campaign to raise awareness of bowel cancer and encourage more people who are aged 60 years and over to take the bowel cancer screening test.
Bowel cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in England. The risk of bowel cancer increases with age – approximately 72% of bowel cancer cases develop in people who are 65 or over; however, screening can lead to earlier diagnosis and early diagnosis can save lives. Screening can detect early signs of bowel cancer in people who may not yet have any symptoms. Importantly those aged 60-74 and registered with a GP will automatically receive a test invitation followed by a screening kit to do the simple test at home every two years.
Information leaflets about the bowel screening test in are available in 20 different languages, large print and a DVD in British sign language can be ordered free of charge from http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/bowel/publications/information-leaflets.html