Rochdale urged to be clear on the signs of bowel cancer

Date published: 21 February 2012

A nationwide ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer has come to Rochdale.

A team from Be Clear on Cancer have set up in the Exchange Shopping Centre, where shoppers can talk to a local nurse and trained staff about the symptoms of bowel cancer.

People who have had blood in their poo or loose poo for three weeks or more will be encouraged to see their doctor.

The team spent the day in the shopping centre yesterday and are also there today.

With low awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer, the roadshow aims to remind people that spotting the signs early and getting medical advice could save lives.

Bowel cancer affects 112 people every year in the Rochdale with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 55.

There are 40 deaths a year but more lives can be saved if spotted and diagnosed early.

More than 90 per cent of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage survive for at least five years compared with only six per cent of those diagnosed at a late stage.

If England’s bowel cancer survival rates matched the best in Europe an additional 1,700 lives would be saved every year.