Menu
04/04/2017
Around 1,200 People Diagnosed With Bowel Cancer Every Year In NI
Around 1,200 people are being diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in Northern Ireland.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone who is eligible for the bowel cancer screening programme to make use of it and to be aware of the early signs of the disease.
Dr Tracy Owen, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: "The good news is that the earlier bowel cancer is detected, the more successful the treatment is likely to be.
"Men and women aged between 60 and 74 have the opportunity to take part in the Northern Ireland bowel cancer screening programme. Those eligible for screening receive a free test kit in the post at the home address provided by their GP. The kit is used to detect traces of blood in the bowel motion that are not visible to the naked eye. Most people who are tested will have no blood in their bowel motions and will be invited to repeat the screening test again in two years' time. If any blood is detected, this indicates that further tests need to be carried out.
"Being asked to use the home screening kit and collecting a sample of your bowel motions can be daunting and embarrassing, as no one likes to talk or think about such things. However, three in every five people invited to participate are now completing a test kit. The screening test helps to find cancer at a very early stage before symptoms even start to appear."
Bowel cancer can occur at any age, and symptoms can include:
• rectal bleeding or blood in your bowel motion;
• a change in bowel habit that last for more than six weeks;
• unexplained weight loss;
• pain or swelling in your abdomen;
• extreme tiredness for no obvious reason.
(CD/LM)
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone who is eligible for the bowel cancer screening programme to make use of it and to be aware of the early signs of the disease.
Dr Tracy Owen, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: "The good news is that the earlier bowel cancer is detected, the more successful the treatment is likely to be.
"Men and women aged between 60 and 74 have the opportunity to take part in the Northern Ireland bowel cancer screening programme. Those eligible for screening receive a free test kit in the post at the home address provided by their GP. The kit is used to detect traces of blood in the bowel motion that are not visible to the naked eye. Most people who are tested will have no blood in their bowel motions and will be invited to repeat the screening test again in two years' time. If any blood is detected, this indicates that further tests need to be carried out.
"Being asked to use the home screening kit and collecting a sample of your bowel motions can be daunting and embarrassing, as no one likes to talk or think about such things. However, three in every five people invited to participate are now completing a test kit. The screening test helps to find cancer at a very early stage before symptoms even start to appear."
Bowel cancer can occur at any age, and symptoms can include:
• rectal bleeding or blood in your bowel motion;
• a change in bowel habit that last for more than six weeks;
• unexplained weight loss;
• pain or swelling in your abdomen;
• extreme tiredness for no obvious reason.
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
04 April 2024
Public Health Agency Issues Bowel Cancer Awareness Info
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged people to be aware of the risks of bowel cancer and the two key actions – act when you notice symptoms, and take part in screening if eligible.
Public Health Agency Issues Bowel Cancer Awareness Info
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged people to be aware of the risks of bowel cancer and the two key actions – act when you notice symptoms, and take part in screening if eligible.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
