BOWEL CANCER: THE FACTS :-
Eight out of ten Brits would
rather sit on their bowel cancer symptoms than act upon
them, acccording to recent research (UEGF IPSOS Survey
2003).
Is it our stiff upper lip that
makes us so backward at coming forward about bowel matters?
Or
is it ignorance and fear?
- Bowel
cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death
in the UK
- Bowel
cancer is the third most common cancer affecting both men
and women in the UK
- Every
year over 35,000 people in this country are diagnosed with
the disease - that's someone every 15 minutes
- Every
year nearly 16,000 people die from bowel cancer – claiming
a life every 30 minutes
- If caught
in the earlier stages bowel cancer is very treatable
- Approximately
5% of all bowel cancers in the UK are hereditary
- Although
90% of all people diagnosed are over 55 (average age 70)
a significant minority are younger
- If you
have any concerns don't hesitate to call the CCC Infoline
on 08708 50 60 50
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:
- Persistent change in your bowel habit
- Blood or mucus in
your stools
- Extreme tiredness without an obvious cause
- Unexplained
pain or a lump in your abdomen
Remember, don’t feel awkward – get
in touch with your GP. In the majority of cases, bowel problems
will turn
out not to be cancer.
Based on a CCC Press Release: AUGUST 2004 |
