Frank’s routine test revealed a tumour
If you’re aged 50-74, you are invited to take part in bowel screening every two years in Scotland
It’s not the most pleasant thing in the world but you’re not alone – more than 500,000 people in Scotland do their bowel screening test every year
The free test – that can be done in the privacy of your bathroom - can spot hidden blood in your poo So don’t delay, do your test. Get your lifesaving test from logging on to thewebsite: getcheckedearly.org. Raymond Riley, 70, from Aberdeen, is urging people to join the bowel movement after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2012.
The married father of two has always completed the bowel screening test and is very grateful that it picked up the disease early.
Raymond had no symptoms of bowel cancer so has encouraged others to do the test even if they have no symptoms and are feeling well.
Raymond said: “The diagnosis was a huge shock, I had no symptoms at all. In addition to this I have always had a good diet, maintained my optimum weight and exercised regularly. I had also been careful to check for signs of blood during a bowel movement.”
In July 2012, Raymond had surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to successfully remove the tumour. The operation was a complete success but there was a possibility it had spread to one of his lymph nodes. As a result of this a course of chemotherapy was recommended, which was completed during December 2012.
Raymond quickly recovered from the operation and chemotherapy and is keeping well and living a full and active life. Regular six monthly checks were undertaken over three years, and he was given the all clear and formally discharged last August.