80 new cases of bowel cancer every year

THE Irish Cancer Society launched a new bowel cancer awareness campaign, with figures revealing that over 80 people in Louth are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year.

Bowel cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Ireland with the latest figures saying that over 2,500 people are diagnosed every year, and approximately 82 of these cases are in Louth.

Around 1,000 people die from the disease annually, making it the second most common cause of cancer death in Ireland.

Joan Kelly, Cancer Support Manager with the Irish Cancer Society said ‘Bowel cancer usually occurs in people over 60 years of age and is often diagnosed in the later stages. However, if bowel cancer is caught early, it is extremely treatable.’

She explained that during April the society will be campaigning to make everyone in Louth aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, and have developed an easy to use online bowel health checker (www.cancer.ie/bowelhealth) which is a short quiz designed to inform people about staying healthy, being aware of their bowel health and informing people about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. ‘Screening is vital in diagnosing cancers early and we need to see it as a central part of a healthy lifestyle. If we’re eligible for free screening, we should take it up.’ Visit www.cancer.ie/bowel for further information on bowel cancer.