Bid to raise bowel cancer awareness
Published on 30 January 2012 01:30 PM
A new campaign is urging people to look out for the symptoms of bowel cancer as early diagnosis can significantly boost the chances of treatment being a success.
The Be Clear on Cancer campaign launched by the Government calls on anyone who has blood in their stools or loose stools for more than three weeks to see their GP.
Figures suggest an immediate call to the doctor will help patients beat the disease, with more than 90% of people diagnosed at an early stage surviving for at least five years.
But those who fail to act when they spot the signs are warned that the figure drops to just 6% if the cancer is diagnosed at a late stage.
With a call not to 'flush away' any toilet worries, the Government said an extra 1,700 lives could be saved every year by early diagnosis of bowel cancer, which affects 33,000 every year in England - mostly over the age of 55 - and leads to 13,000 deaths.
The campaign warns that other symptoms to look out for include a pain or lump in the abdomen, feeling more tired than usual and over a period of time, and unexplained weight loss.
Copyright Press Association 2012