National bowel cancer campaign planned
Monday September 19th, 2011
A England-wide bowel cancer awareness campaign is to be launched, it has been announced.
The
8.5m UK pound campaign is part of a wider plan to improve cancer services
and outcomes. The "Be Clear on Cancer" campaign has been tested
in regional pilot schemes in the South West and East of England.
It features adverts on TV, radio and in newspapers to make people aware of the early signs of bowel cancer and make it easier for them to discuss this with their GP.
Symptoms may include a persistent change in normal bowel habit, such as going to the toilet more often and diarrhoea, especially with bleeding, a lump in the stomach or back passage, unexplained iron deficiency in men or post-menopausal women, and unexplained extreme tiredness.
The pilots found a 48 per cent rise in the number of people who visited their GPs with symptoms, a 32 per cent rise in urgent referrals to hospitals over six months, high campaign recognition, and overwhelming support.
Health Minister Paul Burstow has announced that "Be Clear on Cancer" will be rolled out nationally in January.
Mr Burstow said: "No one likes thinking about cancer. But the plain fact is no one dies of embarrassment, they can die of cancer if they don't get an early diagnosis. Tell your GP. It could save your life."
Deborah Alsina and Mark Flannagan of the charities Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer said: "We know 90 per cent of people will survive if diagnosed at the earliest stage of the disease. The tragedy however is that only nine per cent are."
The Royal College of Nursing meanwhile announced backing for another campaign to help people check their risk of bowel cancer.
Have I Got Bowel Cancer provides an on-line checker for people who may have symptoms.
RCN chief executive Dr Peter Carter said: "Bowel cancer kills thousands of people every year and it’s about time society started to talk more openly about it. This fantastic tool is a great step forward in the fight against bowel cancer and I would encourage everyone to get involved in the campaign."
Tags: Cancer | Gastroenterology | NHS | UK News
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