April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month...#PassItOn!
They say knowledge is power, so this April we’re asking everyone to share important information about bowel cancer. Will you help #PassItOn?
The earlier bowel cancer is spotted, the more treatable it’s likely to be. In fact, more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it is diagnosed at the earliest stage. So please, #PassItOn.
What is bowel cancer?
Almost 9 out of 10 people in the UK are diagnosed with
bowel cancer over the age of 60.
Bowel cancer develops from
polyps (tiny bumps of cells inside the bowel). Most
polyps remain benign (not cancerous), but about 1 in 10 will turn into
cancer. If it is caught in the early stages, there is a greater than 90% chance of a cure.
Why is awareness of bowel cancer so important?
Knowing your normal and when to seek help is
always important. Raising vital
bowel cancer awareness leads to the nation being better educated on
bowel cancer and the signs and symptoms to look out for. Seeing as there is a greater than 90% chance of a cure, if caught early enough, the signs and symptoms of
bowel cancer are more than worth being aware of.
Too many people suffer in silence with their symptoms.
We must raise public awareness and help the UK get to grips with their guts, person by person, toilet visit by toilet visit.
What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer can affect anyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity or where you live.
Symptoms can include:
- bleeding from your bottom
- blood in your poo
- a change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
- losing weight but you’re not sure why
- feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
- a pain or lump in your tummy
Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s still important to find out what’s causing them.
For more information and how to get involved visit
Bowel Cancer | Bowel Cancer UK
