Bowel cancer awareness campaign

Pharmacists raise awareness about bowel cancer

NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale are working with local pharmacies to raise awareness about bowel cancer.

Pharmacists have been talking to patients and informing them of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Langley pharmacist Prakash Jha, from the pharmacy on Bowness Road, emphasises the importance of the campaign: “Bowel cancer can be a bit of an embarrassing subject but it’s really important that people don’t ignore it. If caught early, 95% of people with bowel cancer live. If people are worried about bowel cancer, you should speak to your local pharmacist or GP.”

Bowel cancer is the third most common of all cancers and causes the second highest amount of cancer deaths. Over-60s make up 80% of those who suffer the disease.

Symptoms including bleeding of the bottom, blood in the faeces, changes in toilet activity and stomach and bottom pains.

Testing kits will be sent to everyone in the borough between the ages of 60 and 69 as part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Over-70s can request a kit by calling 0800 707 6060.