|
|
|
UCF call for Bowel Cancer Screening
By Derval Keenan, 9/26/2005 2:58:19 PM
|
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) today welcomed the announcement that a bowel cancer screening programme is to be introduced in England in 2009.
However, the leading local cancer charity called for the screening programme to be extended to Northern Ireland.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Northern Ireland. It mainly occurs in the over 50s, affecting both men and women, with around 1,000 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed each year and approximately 400 deaths.
Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF said, ?“We don?’t want to see Northern Ireland lagging behind when it comes to introducing screening programmes. An effective screening programme can reduce the number of people dying from cancer and this is clearly evident in the case of cervical screening. In Northern Ireland where cervical screening is available to women between the ages of 20 ?– 59, there has been a 2% reduction in the number of deaths per year. In comparison in the Republic of Ireland where no effective national screening programme is in place, the death rate continues to rise by 1.5% per year.
?“We continue to urge the Health Minister to introduce a programme of screening for bowel cancer in Northern Ireland. This will enable early detection and the most effective treatment for bowel cancer patients.
?“This screening programme is vital for people in Northern Ireland. People often visit their doctors when their symptoms are well developed but the earlier the condition can be diagnosed, then the better the prognosis. Early diagnosis also means that the treatment required is less difficult and disruptive to the patient.
UCF?’s Against Bowel Cancer campaign, raises awareness of the disease and advises people to eat a diet rich in fibre, fruit and vegetables, to reduce the amount of fat and processed meat eaten, as well as taking regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight. It also encourages people to try to overcome the embarrassment associated with detecting the disease and highlights the 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
Gerry McElwee added, ?“If you are worried that you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important that you go to your doctor. If you have any concerns about bowel cancer or any other forms of cancer please contact UCF?’s confidential Freephone Cancer Helpline on 0800 783 3339.?”
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Pauline Wylie or Derval Keenan at UCF
Tel: 028 9049 2007
|
|
|
