Over 60s urged to take up simple cancer test

THE OVER 60s across the borough are being urged to take part in a screening campaign which could save their lives.

The call comes from Bowel Cancer UK after a survey revealed only 62% of people in the area covered by NHS body West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning Group actually complete the free test.

People on GP lists aged between 60 and 74 are routinely sent the test through the post every two years on a rolling programme.

The simple screening test, which can be done in the privacy of your own home, looks for hidden blood in bowel movements, which a possible early sign of cancer.

While the test may not be the most pleasant thing to do, it is noninvasive and doctors say it could make the difference between catching a highly treatable tumour and having the disease so far advanced, extensive surgery is required.

If left too late, the prognosis could acutally be fatal.

Each month nearly 3,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and more than 1,3000 people will die. It is the country’s biggest cancer killer but it is also one of the most treatable and curable if caught early.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

Experts say while the disease is the nation’s second biggest cancer killer, it need not be as it is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early through effective screening.