As part of ongoing support of the Be Clear On Cancer – Bowel Cancer campaign, launched this month by the Government, NHS Isle of Wight is hosting the first day of a road show that will offer Island residents the chance to find out more about the symptoms of bowel cancer and to talk to members of the Semi Colon Group, a Bowel Cancer Support group here on the Island.
Volunteers will be encouraging members of the public, who are over the age of 55, to make an appointment with their GP if they have any symptoms that could indicate a risk of bowel cancer. Volunteers will be handing out leaflets, putting up posters and, for those with experience of cancer, sharing their own personal experiences.
The road shows will be on from 10.00am to 3.00pm at the following locations:
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Thursday 23rd February – St Mary’s hospital (in the main reception area)
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Friday 24th February – Co-op supermarket, Pyle Street Newport
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Saturday 25th February – Lord Louis Library, Newport
The Be Clear on Cancer campaign, which builds on a successful local campaign last year, aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and encourage those with these symptoms to see their doctor. Bowel cancer is England’s second most common cancer, with around 33,000 new cases each year. It affects both men and women and is responsible for more than 13,000 deaths a year. Nine out of ten people diagnosed with bowel cancer are aged over 55 and those with a family history are at more risk.
The main signs and symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in poo or looser poo for three weeks or more. General awareness of the early symptoms is low, but early detection of bowel cancer makes it more treatable. Dr Jenifer Smith, Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer for the Isle of Wight, said: “Treatment for cancer has improved considerably in recent times, but however good the treatment becomes, survival will be better if people seek help at the earliest possibility, before the cancer becomes too established or widespread. There is considerable evidence that people in England present to their doctors later than our counterparts in Europe. We want to continue to spread the message of early diagnosis as best we can throughout local communities.”
Tony Crowson of the Semi Colon Group commented “This group is run by the patients themselves and supported by the Clinical Nurse Specialist. The main aim of the group is to support those diagnosed with bowel cancer and their families. As a Voluntary group, we are very happy to continue to work with others as we did during last year’s campaign. The support group volunteers find it very rewarding to meet Islanders and raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer and of the support group. If you would like to find out more about the Semi Colon Group, please call 559326 or email tony.crowson@uwclub.net.
At St Marys, we have increased the number of appointments available in expectation more people will come forward. You can also call the NHS 111 number if you have any urgent medical concerns or need medical help fast and it’s not a 999 emergency.
For further information about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, please visit www.nhs.uk/bowelcancer or www.iow.nhs.uk/index.asp?record=639 to find out more about Colorectal Services at St Mary’s.
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