If you’re aged 59-69 it’s never too late to take your first BowelScreen test. That’s the message from the HSE during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April. Most people (90%) who do their first test stay with BowelScreen and take future tests when they’re invited.
Taking part in BowelScreen can help prevent cancer from developing by finding and removing pre-cancerous growths called polyps. Bowel cancer is the second most common invasive cancer in men and the third in women in Ireland.
This year’s campaign will feature Mary Kennedy, from Castleknock in Dublin, who had bowel cancer found through screening. If cancer is found through screening it’s usually when it’s at an earlier stage and treatment is likely to be more straightforward. Screening will not pick up every sign that could develop into cancer, and cancer can develop between screening. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs of bowel cancer and visit your GP without delay if you have any symptoms of bowel cancer, even if you recently had a normal screening test or are due for screening soon. Don’t wait for screening if you have symptoms – talk to your GP without delay.
People aged 59-69 can get a bowel cancer screening test free of charge by contacting 1800 45 45 55, emailing [email protected] or by checking the register at www.bowelscreen.ie.
For more information on the campaign, please contact [email protected]
