Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer. It is the second biggest cancer killer – but can be treated effectively if caught early.

Let’s beat bowel cancer together this April

That’s the message of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, which NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group is supporting this month.

Dr Mike Clark, a Governing Body GP at NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“Around 268,000 people in the UK have bowel cancer, with 42,000 diagnosed each year. Nearly everyone survives if they’re diagnosed at the earliest stage but this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.

“It’s best to be aware of the key symptoms such as persistent and unexplained change in the bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness and a pain or lump in your tummy. If you have one or more of these symptoms, please call your GP. Whilst, you may not able to visit your GP currently, it’s still important you talk to an expert as it may well be nothing to worry about.”

He added: “You can reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer by eating more fresh chicken, fish and meat-free meals. People who eat a diet low in processed and red meat are less likely to develop bowel cancer. You should aim to eat more fibre, stick to the low-risk drinking guidelines, stop smoking and exercise vigorously for at least two and a half hours a week. “

Visit www.bowelcancer.org.uk to find out more.