NHS Lanarkshire is highlighting Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in a drive to encourage more people to talk about and take part in bowel screening.

The most recent national figures show NHS Lanarkshire has made huge strides in increasing uptake of bowel screening. It has risen from 47.7 per cent when the programme began in 2009 to 52.8 per cent at the last count in November 2016.

Dr Jennifer Darnborough, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in public health, said: “The number of people returning their screening tests in Lanarkshire has gone up by more than five per cent since the programme started.

“That’s great news and Lanarkshire people should be congratulated on taking charge of their health. They have been aided by our enthusiastic bowel screening champions – wonderful local men and women who have had cancer diagnosed through screening and gone on to have successful treatment.

“Our health improvement teams and dedicated local GPs have also supported the popular national Detect Cancer Early ‘Join the bowel movement’ campaign.

“April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, spearheaded by the charity Bowel Cancer UK, so it is an ideal opportunity to highlight the importance of using the screening kit, which is sent to everyone aged between 50 and 74 every two years.

“Bowel cancer is Scotland’s third most common cancer and almost 500 are picked up every year in Lanarkshire. The great news is that, if it’s found early – by screening, even before any symptoms are there – nine out of 10 people will beat it.

“So take the test. It saves lives. It could save yours!”

Jennifer added: “We have found knowledge and awareness of the test seems high among the public and most people know doing the test is so important, as it can pick people up with cancer before symptoms develop.

“However, people can be less aware that the test is not fool-proof and people with symptoms, who do the test, can be falsely reassured if it then comes back clear. That is why we ask people never to ignore symptoms.

“Doing the bowel screening test every time you are sent one is really important but you still need to keep any eye out for any changes that you notice in your bowel habits and, if in any doubt, pop along to see your GP to set your mind at rest.”

For more information see www.getcheckedearly.org or www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk.