April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer and it’s the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. But it shouldn’t be, as it’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage however this drops significantly as the disease develops. Being aware of the key symptoms and visiting your GP if things don’t feel right can help increase chances of an early diagnosis, and could save your life.
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer. Other health problems can cause similar symptoms, but if you have one or more of these, or if things just don’t feel right, see your GP.
For more information visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Upcoming Bowel Cancer Awareness Talk – 16 April
Bowel Cancer UK is hosting a free online awareness talk on Friday 16 April on Facebook at 12.30pm. Join and learn about the symptoms of bowel cancer, screening and reducing your risk. The talk will be around 30 minutes and hosted by one of their volunteers who has a personal experience of the disease.
Tune in to their Facebook page on Friday 16 April at 12.30pm.
Bowel Cancer UK also provide free online bowel cancer awareness talks to workplaces and community groups. Find our more here.
Step up for 30
Help fundraise for Bowel Cancer UK. Step up for 30 in April as part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. It’s really simple, just get active every day and ask people to sponsor you.
Exercise is a brilliant way to improve your mental and physical health. It’s known to boost your mood and energy levels and exercise can also provide routine and structure to your day.
