Don't be put off by the test; it could save your life

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month the perfect opportunity for us to remind you to accept their invitation to take part in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland but highly treatable if caught early. Most recent data published by ISD Scotland, which analyses those invited for Bowel Screening between 1 May 2015 – 30 April 2017, indicates that three out of five Borderers take up their invitation to get checked as part of the Bowel cancer screening programme.

NHS Borders Board Screening Coordinator Julieann Brennan 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. Anyone aged 75 or over can still take a bowel screening test every two years by simply requesting a kit by calling the helpline on 0800 0121 833.

"In November 2017, Scotland introduced a simpler home screening test known as FIT (faecal immunochemical test), which requires only returning one bowel motion sample instead of the three samples which were required in the previous test.

"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 your fellow Borderers by taking the test.

"Remember, early detection could save your life. Don’t delay in making an appointment with your GP if you spot any unusual or persistent changes to your bowel movements, even in between screenings."

To request a replacement kit call the Bowel Screening Centre Helpline on 0800 0121 833 or visiting www.bowelscreening.scot.nhs.uk

For more information on all of the Detect Cancer Early Programmes visit www.getcheckedearly.org