Local’s urged to take the test, Bowel Cancer roadshow hits the region
Written by author on February 26, 2013
The Take the Test Roadshow aimed at raising awareness of bowel cancer and highlighting the benefits of screening to people in Dumfries and Galloway will visit Morrisons Supermarket on London Road, Stranraer on Tuesday 5 March and Loreburn Shopping Centre, Dumfries on Wednesday 6 March from 9am to 5pm.
The nation-wide, 34-stop tour will roll into locations across Scotland
as part of the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early campaign to encourage people between the ages of 50 and 74 to participate in the Scottish Bowel Screening programme.
Although almost 4,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in Scotland, just over half (54.5 per cent) of those who are eligible to participate in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme every two years, actually do the test.
Currently, take-up of bowel screening in Dumfries and Galloway is 57.5 per cent, so more people need to understand the benefits of participation in the programme.
The new campaign includes a TV advert featuring the voice of Still Game star Ford Kiernan to highlight that bowel cancer is the third most common strain of the disease in Scotland. The campaign carries the message ‘Bowel Cancer. Don’t Take A Chance. Take The Test’ to highlight the fact that bowel cancer is a ‘hidden’ cancer, because the early signs are often not visible.
The Detect Cancer Early tour will offer help and advice to people in Dumfries and Galloway on how to take the test and staff will be available to answer any questions around the disease. An interactive presentation will be on site to allow local people to view the new advert and to help illustrate the bowel cancer screening test. Roadshow staff will also give away toilet shaped air fresheners and mini toilet tissue packs to encourage local people to pass on the message to their friends and relatives.
Angus Cameron , Medical Director for NHS Dumfries and Galloway said: “Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland yet when detected at an early stage, it’s highly treatable – nine out of ten people survive if it’s caught early.
“As the signs of bowel cancer can be unnoticeable the screening programme is the best way to detect blood in the bowel, which can be a sign of bowel cancer. We would urge all local people between 50 to 74 years old to find out more about the benefits of taking the bowel screening test.
“It’s important to break down some of the taboos around the private nature of bowel cancer and we welcome the Detect Cancer Early Roadshow to Dumfries and Galloway which will help to raise awareness of this important public health issue amongst local people.”
While the Screening Programme remains the best way to detect bowel cancer you should never ignore changes to your health. Local people are advised to make an appointment with their GP if they spot any unusual or persistent changes to their bowel movements, even in between screenings.
For information on the screening programme, contact the Scottish Bowel Screening Helpline on 0800 0121 833 or visit www.bowelscreeningtest.org
