New bowel cancer campaign launched

Buy photos » One of the new NHS adverts. s

A NEW campaign has been launched across the region to raise awareness of bowel cancer.

The latest 'Be Clear on Cancer' drive is aimed at highlighting the symptoms so people can recognise them early, which could save lives.

The campaign urges anyone who finds blood in their poo for more than three weeks to contact their doctor.

Other symptoms include a pain or lump it the stomach, feeling more tired than usual for some time and losing weight for no obvious reason.

It is hoped, as well as making people aware of the symptoms, the new adverts will make it easier for people to discuss the situation with their GP.

Adverts will be appearing on TV, radio, online and in newspapers in England for nine weeks, until the end of March.

Bowel cancer affects 33,000 people in England each year, both men and women, and, with more than 13,000 deaths a year, is the UK's second biggest cancer killer. In 2008 there were around 3,500 cases of bowel cancer in the West Midlands alone.

Statistics show more than 90 per cent of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage survive for at least five years, compared with only six per cent of those diagnosed at a late stage.

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said: “No one likes talking about their poo – it’s embarrassing.

"But bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer so we need to get over the embarrassment and talk to someone about it."

Tricia Lowe, director of Greater Midlands Cancer Network, urged anyone worried about their symptoms to speak to their GP straight away.

"The message is clear - the earlier bowel cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

"Your symptoms may be nothing serious, but it is better to have them checked out early to be sure."

For more on the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, visit www.nhs.uk/bowelcancer