Charity aims to spread word about Scotland's second biggest cancer killer

The free 30 minute talk is delivered by a trained a health promotion volunteer, who often has a personal connection to bowel cancer.

The award-winning programme raises awareness of the disease and good bowel health, highlights the symptoms and risks, and stresses the importance of those who are of screening age to take the bowel cancer screening test when they receive it in the post.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland, with 1,600 people in Scotland dying each year of the disease and 4,000 people diagnosed. However, bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early.

Nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stage will survive bowel cancer but this drops significantly as the disease develops.

A key part of our work is educating the public about bowel cancer, in particular the importance of early diagnosis, it really does save lives.

One of the ways we do this is through our health promotion volunteer programme which was recognised last year with a prestigious award from the Royal Society of Public Health. If your employees or members of a community group would like to have an awareness talk, don’t delay, get in touch now.

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer research charity, determined to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer.

The charity supports and influences research, educates patients, the public and professionals about bowel cancer and campaigns for early diagnosis and best treatment and care for all those affected. For more information, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk

If you’re interested in hosting an awareness talk at your work place, community group and any other place that has an existing group or charity, please do book online: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/bookatalk, email scotadmin@bowelcanceruk.org.uk or call 0131 225 5333.

EMMA ANDERSON,

Head of Bowel Cancer UK

in Scotland.