Your bowel test could be a lifesaver!

ADVERTORIAL

The bowel screening test might not be the most pleasant thing in the world to do, but it could save your life.

That’s the message behind the Detect Cancer Early (DCE) campaign to encourage more people aged 50-74 across Scotland to do their bowel screening test when it arrives through their letterbox.

The reality is that more and more people are recognising the benefits of bowel screening with over half a million people in Scotland doing their test each year.

The test gives you the best chance of finding bowel cancer early, when the chance of survival is higher – and when it can often be cured.

As the early signs of bowel cancer are often hidden, it’s important not to delay taking the test as Professor Bob Steele, director of the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme explains: “Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland but it’s also one of the most treatable if found early.

“The purpose of the bowel screening test is to try and detect the disease before it reaches the stage where it causes symptoms, which is why we encourage everyone aged 50-74 to do the test, even if they feel well.

“We know some put off taking the test, or have one sitting at home that they haven’t got round to yet . To those people the message is clear – not to delay and do it. You’re not alone – more people in Scotland are doing theirs that ever before and it could be a life saver.”

To find out more about the bowel screening test, or to find out how to request a replacement, visit getcheckedearly.org or call 0800 0121 833.