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Kirklees GPs show their support for bowel cancer awareness campaign
GPs from across Kirklees are backing the Be Clear on Bowel Cancer campaign which was launched earlier this month by the Government.
The campaign, which runs throughout February and March, uses TV, radio, print and online advertising to encourage more people to see their GP if they are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer is England’s second most common cancer, with around 33,000 new cases each year (193 in Kirklees). It affects both men and women and is responsible for more than 13,000 deaths a year. Nine out of ten people diagnosed with bowel cancer are aged over 55 and those with a family history are at more risk.
General awareness of the early symptoms is low, but early detection of bowel cancer makes it more treatable.
It is estimated that more than 1,700 additional lives could be saved each year if England’s bowel cancer survival rate matched the best in Europe.
The main signs and symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in poo or looser poo for three weeks or more.
GP practices are playing a major part in the campaign by promoting it within their practices and making sure patients are assessed and referred to the hospital for further investigation within two weeks.
Dr Bert Jindal, a GP at Paddock and Longwood Family Practice, in Huddersfield and Primary Care Cancer Lead at NHS Kirklees said: “It is really important that if people have blood in their poo or looser poo that they get it checked out. I have seen patients that have left worrying symptoms for months and sometimes it’s too late. But I also have lots of positive stories of people that have come in at the first sign of a problem and they go on to have successful treatment for their bowel cancer.
“The examination is really straightforward and will help determine whether further tests need to be carried out. In the majority of cases, the investigation will return negative results. Talking about poo and going to the toilet can be a little embarrassing but GPs see this kind of thing every day so patients should not worry.”
For further information about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, please visit www.nhs.uk/bowelcancer
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