2 August 2016
Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Director of Public Health is reminding people in the Scottish Borders to accept their invitation to take part in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
Although bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland, it is highly treatable if caught early. Data published today by ISD Scotland indicates that three out of five Borderers take up their invitation to get checked as part of the Bowel cancer screening programme.
Dr Patterson, explains: “The early signs of bowel cancer are often hidden, which can mean many people can’t see or feel any symptoms. The most effective way to detect bowel cancer in its earliest stage is through screening.
“All men and women aged 50-74 are invited for bowel screening every two years in Scotland and anyone aged 75 or over can still take a bowel screening test every two years if they want to by requesting a kit.
“People who receive their bowel screening kit may be put off by the process, but the reality is that more people in the Borders are completing the test and returning it. This means more people have a better chance of bowel cancer being detected early, when the chances of survival are much higher.
“So please don’t ignore your invitation for the bowel screening programme and follow in the footsteps of so many Borderers by taking the test. Remember, early detection could save your life.”
For more information on the all Detect Cancer Early Programmes visit www.getcheckedearly.org