A Lanarkshire man is urging others to take up the offer of the free bowel screening test, after his routine bowel screening picked up cancer.

Jim Green was diagnosed with bowel cancer earlier this year.

Jim said: “I have done my bowel screening test religiously since I turned 50. At first I thought I would struggle. However, when you sit and think about it, it’s really easy compared to the consequences of not doing it.

“In January this year, I did the test again. I had experienced no symptoms, however I was sent another screening test with a cover note to say that they had detected something. I wasn’t to panic but I was to give another sample.

“I sent the repeat test away and then received a letter saying that I had been referred to Wishaw General Hospital for follow up tests.

“After blood tests and a scope, they found a ‘blemish’ in my colon.”

Every year, more than 500,000 people do the life-saving bowel screening test in Scotland. The test, which is offered to people aged 50-74 every two years, remains the most effective way of finding the disease early.

Bowel cancer is more common in those aged 50 and over, but nine out of ten people survive bowel cancer if it’s caught early.

He said: “Without a shadow of a doubt, I would urge everyone to do their bowel screening test.

“Some people may be scared about the results will say, but I’m glad that I did mine. It’s common sense, it’s free of charge and you do it in the privacy of your own home.

“It’s a bodily function that we do every day. I’ve said to everyone not to throw that test in the bin. It’s so simple to do. ”