Bowel Cancer – know the signs!

To mark bowel cancer awareness month, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is reminding people that early detection really can be a life-saver.

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer inNorthern Ireland.  There are around 1,100 new cases of bowel cancer diagnosed here each year with approximately 430 deaths.  Yet if bowel cancer is detected at an early stage treatment can be 90% successful.

UCF aims to raise awareness of the disease and is encouraging people aged 60 to 71 to take part in theNorthern Irelandcancer bowel screening programme.

From his personal experience, Sir Nigel Hamilton, former Head of the NI Civil Service and former President of Ulster Rugby, is now a passionate advocate to be vigilant in thinking about  bowel cancer.

Last year following scoping, Sir Nigel had a very timely intervention involving major bowel surgery. He was told that he would have developed bowel cancer had it not been for the surgery.

“Now I’m very passionate about persuading people to have check-ups, scopes and tests. My objective is to encourage people, particularly men who can be reluctant to talk about their health, to get checked out, if only for peace of mind,” he said.

“Anyone with symptoms of changes in bowel habits, however small, or a family history of bowel cancer, should visit their GP. Everyone who receives a bowel cancer screening test, being sent out from the Public Health Agency, should also make sure they take the test and return it.

”I’m in a fortunate place and would urge everyone to remember that bowel cancer can be very successfully treated if caught early.” 

Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF, said, “Early detection is crucial. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms which include a change in bowel habits lasting six weeks or more; bleeding from the bottom or blood in your stools; unexplained tiredness and weight loss; a pain or lump in your abdomen.

“Bowel cancer can occur at any age but it is primarily a cancer of the over 50s for both men and women.  Risk of the disease increases if there is a family history, but over 75% of patients have had no previous bowel condition or family link.

“The risk of bowel cancer can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle and eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and cereals, reducing your intake of red and processed meat, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and taking regular exercise.

“We would also encourage those in the 60-71 age group to take part in the NI bowel cancer screening programme when the screening test kit arrives in the post.”  

If you have any concerns about bowel cancer please call UCF’s freephone cancer information and support helpline on 0800 783 3339. This free service is available Monday to Friday, 9am - 1pm. 

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For further information please contact

Pauline Wylie, PR & Events Manager, UCF on

028 9066 3281 / 07810 371118

Or

Derval McVerry, PR & Events Officer, UCF on

028 9066 3281 / 07812 525531