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As Easy as A?… B?… C?….
By Derval Keenan, 6/1/2005 12:23:52 PM
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To mark bowel cancer awareness month, Michelin Star Chef Robbie Miller from Shanks Restaurant joined with the Ulster Cancer Foundation and children from St. Bride?’s Primary School in South Belfast, to launch the charity?’s Against Bowel Cancer campaign. The campaign seeks to highlight simple dietary steps, which can be taken to prevent bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Northern Ireland. There are around 1,000 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed each year and around 400 deaths. All-Ireland mortality rates for both male and female bowel cancers are significantly higher than those in the EU.
Alan George, newly appointed Head of Care Services for the Ulster Cancer Foundation said, ?“When it comes to bowel cancer our message is that prevention is key. What we eat can make a big difference, and we?’re never too young to start to adopt healthy eating patterns?”.
He added, ?“Research shows that you can take steps to prevent bowel cancer by eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and cereals; eating less fat, exercising regularly, reducing your intake of red/processed meat and by being aware of your normal bowel habits. If bowel cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is more successful, leading to a better quality of life ?– early detection really can save lives?”.
Bowel cancer can occur at any age but it is primarily a cancer of the over 50?’s for both men and women. Risk of the disease increased if there is a family history, but over 75% of patients have had no previous bowel condition or family link.
The ABC campaign, supported by Merck Pharmaceutical, urges people to forget about any embarrassment associated with detecting the disease and raises awareness about symptoms, which include:
· Change in bowel habits lasting up to six weeks including diarrhoea or constipation
· Persistent bleeding from the rectum
· Unexplained weight loss
· Pain or discomfort in the stomach area
· Extreme tiredness
· Feeling of not having emptied bowel properly after bowel motion
Such symptoms can be caused by other, less serious conditions but it is important to get them checked out.
The Ulster Cancer Foundation has established the first Colorectal Support Group in Northern Ireland for people who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer. The initial meeting of the group will take place at the Malone Lodge Hotel on Wednesday 22nd June. If you would like to attend please register in advance by contacting Eileen Creery, Care Services Co-ordinator at UCF, Tel. 028 9049 2007.
If you have any concerns about bowel or any other forms of cancer, please contact UCF?’s confidential Freefone Cancer Helpline on 0800 783 33 39.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Pauline Wylie, PR & Events Manager, UCF
Tel: 028 9049 2007 or 07810 371118
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