Residents are being urged to take the “poo test” to detect early signs of bowel cancer.
The call comes after a local resident contacted the leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, to say how taking the simple 30 second test helped doctors diagnose his bowel cancer.
Now the resident, Barry (name has been changed), is encouraging residents not to be shy or embarrassed, but to take the test which could save their lives.
Since he turned 60, Barry has been receiving letters from the NHS to take a poo test and has done so religiously, he says.
Each time he was given the all-clear until his most recent test when an abnormality was spotted. A camera test called a colonoscopy was carried out and cancer was detected.
Barry said: “It has really opened my eyes. Imagine if I had not done the test and then two years down the line what would have happened?
“It is just a little 30-second test that can save your life, and how much money would we save the NHS if we do that test?”
Barry is currently undergoing chemotherapy, which is likely to be followed by scans and radiotherapy.
His plea comes at a time when bowel cancer is a major concern both nationally and locally.
About one in 20 people in the UK will develop bowel cancer during their lifetime.
The proportion of detection at late stages in Havering for colon cancer at just above 50% is similar to the London and England averages.
“Six in every 10 people in Havering invited for bowel screening complete the test, but this means that many more are still not taking up this important offer ”, says Mark Ansell, Havering’s Director of Public Health.
Currently residents over 54 are sent a poo test or bowel screening kit.
A small sample of faeces is put onto a stick, which is then hygienically sealed in an envelope and sent off for testing. Residents will be told if they have the all-clear or an abnormality is found.
Mark Ansell, added:
“Havering currently has a high rate of bowel cancer being diagnosed at more advanced stages. Screening is essential to try to catch more of these cases early, when they are much more treatable.
People might feel a little embarrassed or uneasy about the thought of doing the test, but it really can save lives. So, when your test kit arrives, don’t ignore it.”
Residents who have not been screened but have the following symptoms for three weeks or more should visit their GP.
- Red or black blood in the poo
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been
- Pain or lump in your tummy
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling tired for no reason
To reduce your risk of the disease, residents can:
- eat a high fibre diet
- reduce the intake of red meat
- keep hydrated
- stop smoking because tobacco is a cancer causing agent
- reduce the consumption of alcohol, which is linked to increased risk of bowel cancer