Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 2012

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in the UK and a number of events and campaigns are being organised to raise awareness of this prevalent cancer, the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. Bowel Cancer UK wants to make people aware that bowel cancer is a very treatable disease and that awareness of symptoms such as blood in poo and weight loss, as well as the courage to go to the GP when something is amiss, is all that is needed to prevent bowel cancer deaths.

Events include patient days, sponsored walks, coffee mornings and pub quizzes. This month, eBay will also be offering shoppers the chance to add a £1 donation for Beating Bowel Cancer, a charity supporting those people who have been diagnosed with the disease, and providing information for patients, families and the public.

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a major public health issue in the UK despite the fact that diagnosis during the early stages of the disease will prevent the cancer from spreading and gives a greater chance of successful treatment. The NHS offers a home bowel cancer testing kit for people between the ages of 60 and 74 years; participants can obtain samples in the comfort of their own home and send them back to the NHS for testing. If the faecal occult blood test (FOBT) comes back positive then patients are sent for a colonoscopy to assess if there are any polyps present in the bowel which may become cancerous.

For further information on screening for bowel cancer click here to read an excellent, plain English article by Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at the University College Hospital London, Mr Austin Obichere.

A fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. Full medical glossary
A common name for the large and/or small intestines. Full medical glossary
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
Malignant, a tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. Full medical glossary
The basic unit of all living organisms. Full medical glossary
The large intestine. Full medical glossary
Examination of the colon and rectum with a colonoscope, an imaging instrument that is inserted through the anus. Full medical glossary
The process of determining which condition a patient may have. Full medical glossary
A growth on the surface of a mucous membrane (a surface that secretes mucus, lining any body cavity that opens to the outside of the body). Full medical glossary
Growths on the surface of a mucous membrane (a surface that secretes mucous), lining any body cavity that opens to the outside of the body. Full medical glossary
Relating to the rectum, the lowest part of the bowel leading to the anus. Full medical glossary
A way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to Full medical glossary