Bowel cancer

Following the successful regional ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ bowel cancer campaign last year, the Department of Health is now launching a national campaign which will run for two months from Monday 30 January 2012.

Through TV, radio, print and online advertising, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and encourage anyone with these symptoms to see their doctor.

Bowel cancer is England’s second most common cancer, with around 33,000 new cases each year. It affects both men and women and is responsible for more than 13,000 deaths a year. Nine out of ten people diagnosed with bowel cancer are aged over 55 and those with a family history are at more risk.

General awareness of the early symptoms is low, but early detection of bowel cancer makes it more treatable. It is estimated that 1,700 additional lives could be saved each year if England’s bowel cancer survival rate matched the best in Europe.

The key signs and symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in poo or looser poo for three weeks or more.

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