Bowel cancer awareness for footie fans

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1 Bowel cancer awareness for footie fans NHS Ayrshire & Arran s Detect Cancer Early team were at Somerset Park on Saturday 29 March to help raise awareness of bowel cancer among Ayr United fans. In the first of a range of activities to support bowel cancer awareness month (April), Health Promotion staff spoke to fans about the importance of detecting bowel cancer at an early stage. For those who wanted to find out more, the team were on hand to provide a range of information about signs and symptoms to look out for and explain how to take the home screening test. Hazel Henderson, Consultant in Public Health, said Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland. When detected at an early stage it can be highly treatable and we know that nine out of ten people beat bowel cancer if it s found early. As bowel cancer is more common in men and men are less likely to take the test than women - it s vitally important to reach them and explain the importance of home screening. In Scotland, people between the ages of 50 and 74 are invited to take the screening test every two years. Those over 75 are not routinely sent the test kit but can request one. The risk of bowel cancer increases with age and the signs and symptoms can sometimes be hidden so taking the screening test could save your life. Whether or not you take the test, it s important to look out for the tell-tale signs of bowel cancer. Anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms should contact their GP: Repeated bleeding from your bottom. A recent change in your poo that continues for more than six weeks, without going back to normal.

2 Watery poo on its own or with constipation (constipation on its own is less likely to be serious). Severe pain in your stomach that won t go away especially after eating. You have recently lost weight without trying. You feel tired all the time and people keep telling you, you look a bit pale. Ms Henderson adds: These symptoms can be caused by a few conditions and not just bowel cancer but if you have noticed any of them you should speak to your doctor right away. Even if you regularly take the test but notice any changes between screenings it is important to contact your doctor. Bowel cancer awareness month activities The Detect Cancer Early team will be at Kilmarnock Football Club on Saturday 5 April and will be visiting William Hill bookmakers within Ayrshire throughout April to speak to staff and customers to raise awareness of bowel cancer. The team are on the road all month, with the following information stands: University Hospital Crosshouse Monday 7 April University Hospital Ayr Tuesday 8 April Rivergate Shopping Centre Friday 11 April Asda, Ayr Saturday 12 April Asda, Irvine Tuesday 15 April Tesco, Auchinleck Tuesday 22 April Asda, Girvan Monday 28 April NHS Ayrshire & Arran s annual Bowel Screening Event will take place at University Hospital Crosshouse on 25 April. This year s theme is Can we prevent Bowel

3 Cancer? Places can be booked by contacting Fiona McTaggart, Bowel Screening Audit Facilitator on or For more information or to request a test kit call the Bowel Screening Helpline on or go online to Ends Photos: NHS Ayrshire & Arran Health Promotion Officers Kay Cooper (far left) and Gillian Jennings (far right) help spread the importance of detecting bowel cancer early along with Ayr United players.

4 Ayr United players reinforce that 9 out of 10 people beat bowel cancer if it s caught at an early stage. Date of release: Friday 4 April 2014 For further media enquiries about this topic, please contact: Julie Graham Communications Assistant NHS Ayrshire & Arran University Hospital Crosshouse Kilmarnock KA2 0BB Telephone: Out-of-hours: julie.graham@aapct.scot.nhs.uk Find us on Facebook at

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