The Health Board is very disappointed with the uptake of Bowel Screening in this area. There has been an average of 56% non-response to the Bowel Screening kits sent out for our practice, which is a real pity when the Government have put aside money to provide this very important screening.
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland after lung and breast cancer. Every year, almost 4,000 people are diagnosed with the disease.
The Scottish Bowel Screening Programme invites all men and women in Scotland between the ages of 50 to 74 for screening every two years. The programme has been rolled out across Scotland and is now available in all NHS Boards.
It is voluntary to take part, but your GP’s strongly recommend that you take part in this screening process, because :
Bowel cancer can be present for a long time before any symptoms appear. If bowel cancer is detected before symptoms appear, it is easier to treat and there is a better chance of surviving the disease.
There is absolutely no need to be embarrassed about taking part in this screening test, it could save your life.
Scottish Bowel Screening Helpline: 0800 0121 833
Find out more by checking out these websites:
http://www.bowelscreening.scot.nhs.uk/
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-colon-rectum-or-bowel/Pages/Screeningforbowelcancer.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-colon-rectum-or-bowel/Pages/Prevention.aspx
