Bowel Screening can save lives

Affecting both men and women, Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland with almost 4,000 people developing the condition every year.

The risks of Bowel cancer increase in people over 50 years of age; but the good news is that if detected at an early stage, treatment is simple, effective, and saves lives – nine out of ten people with early stage cancer can be cured with treatment.

Screening saves lives. NHS Western Isles Public Health Director, Dr Maggie Watts, said: “The earlier Bowel cancer is detected the easier it is to treat and the better the chance of a successful outcome.

“That is why Bowel screening is so important. The test saves lives by detecting problems early and spotting signs that people may not know they have.”

Bowel Screening is offered routinely to people aged 50 to 74 years as part of a national screening programme.
The Screening Kit is sent by post to people in this age group every two years; and is easy to complete, with only one bowel sample required. Once the sample is obtained, the test kit can be returned in a Freepost envelope provided – it really is that simple!

This April NHS Western Isles reminds island residents aged 50-74 years to look out for their Bowel Screening Kit arriving in the post, and urges all to complete the simple test.

A guide on how to complete the Bowel Screening Test can be found online at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLASx2S4sxQ

People over the age of 74 years who wish to continue with Bowel Screening can continue to request a Kit every two years.

If you do not complete the test when it arrives, or misplace your Screening Kit, a replacement can be ordered by calling the Free-phone number: 0800 0121 833 or email: bowelscreening.tayside@nhs.net