The Sussex Bowel Cancer Screening Programme team brought their giant inflatable colon to Conquest Hospital recently, to give colleagues a look inside a colon and help spread awareness about colon health, bowel cancer and the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Kerry Fay, Clinical Manager/Lead Specialist Screening Practitioner from the Sussex Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, said: “We are excited to have the opportunity to use this amazing giant inflatable colon to help spread awareness about colon health and bowel cancer awareness. It’s not every day that we get to see what our insides can look like, and this fantastic inflatable colon gives us the opportunity to explore what can go wrong with our bowels and the opportunity to explain how we can all help keep our bowels healthy.
“Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, with early detection significantly improving survival rates. Bowel cancer affects over 42,000 people in the UK each year, but over 90% of cases can be successfully treated if diagnosed early. Symptoms include persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain.”
As part of this year’s campaign, colleagues are encouraged to:
- Promote NHS bowel cancer screening for patients aged 50-74, who receive home test kits every two years.
- Encourage eligible patients to complete and return their FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) kits, which can detect early signs of cancer.
- Raise symptom awareness among younger patients, as cases are rising in those under 50.
- Support lifestyle education, as diet, exercise and smoking cessation can reduce risk.
By increasing screening uptake and symptom awareness, we can save lives together.
For more information visit Bowel Cancer UK.