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Northern Ireland - Highest Bowel Cancer Rates in EU
By Eilish Martin, 5/11/2004 10:56:21 AM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation is continuing the fight Against Bowel Cancer during April, which is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, by promoting simple, positive steps people across the province can take to prevent the disease.
UTV presenter Claire McCollum helped the charity officially launch the campaign at the Europa Hotel in Belfast today by enjoying the Hastings Hotels healthy new breakfast range with Bowel Cancer survivor Margaret Johnston.
After skin and lung cancer, bowel cancer is the 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 incidence rates for both male and female bowel cancers are higher than the EU average with only Austria having a slighter higher incidence. For men bowel cancer rates are the highest reported in the EU and Northern Ireland women have a 15% higher risk of developing bowel cancer than those in the Republic.
In the Republic of Ireland new cases of bowel cancer are increasing by 1.5% a year in men, but by only 0.6% in women. If current trends continue, bowel cancer will be killing more men than lung cancer by 2010.
Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive, Ulster Cancer Foundation said, While these statistics are alarming there is good news in that steps can be taken to prevent bowel cancer such as maintaining a healthy diet by eating 5 portions of fruit, vegetables and cereals per day, eat less fat, exercise regularly, reduce your intake of red/processed meat and be aware of your normal bowel habits.
Bowel cancer can occur at any age but it is primarily a cancer of the over 50s for both men and women. Risk of the disease increases if there is a family history, but over 75% of patients have had no previous bowel condition or family link. The ABC campaign urges people to forget about any embarrassment associated with detecting the disease and raises awareness about what to look out for. 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.
Naomi Thompson, Senior Education Officer, UCF added, People may feel embarrassed by the symptoms of bowel cancer however GPs are very sensitive to the needs of the patient - and dont forget theyve heard it all before. Some symptoms can be caused by a less serious condition, therefore people shouldnt just wait and hope that the symptoms will disappear but get it checked out as soon as possible.
Rev Margaret Johnston, spoke of her experience of bowel cancer at the event and urged others not to delay in going to their GP if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below. However some symptoms are harder to diagnose as Margaret herself found out, I was experiencing a small, dull ache in my groin area, along with loose bowel movements, which after some period of time started to concern me. Friends had also remarked that I looked out of sorts and not quite as fit and healthy looking as I normally did. After a visit to my doctor and several screening tests, I was diagnosed as having bowel cancer.
Margaret underwent surgery and after six months of chemotherapy she felt fully back to health. Margaret added, Five years on I feel wonderful and I hope my story will encourage more people to seek medical help. Some people are embarrassed to talk about their bowels but our natural bodily functions have to be accepted as just that. The most important thing is to face your fears, accept there may be a problem and seek help.
Claire McCollum added, I am very pleased to support the Against Bowel Cancer campaign which reminds us all to look after our health and be aware of our own bodies. Its also good to remember that regular light exercise can have a real beneficial effect on our health.
Early detection is key to treatment of this disease and the Ulster Cancer Foundation have highlighted the following possible early symptoms:
· Change in bowel habits lasting up to six weeks including diarrhoea or constipation.
· Blood in stools.
· Unexplained weight loss
· Pain or discomfort from back passage
· 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.
For further information and advice on bowel cancer please contact the Ulster Cancer Foundation on Tel: 028 9066 3281 or their Freefone Cancer Helpline
on 0800 783 33 39.
-ENDS-
Issued on behalf of the Ulster Cancer Foundation:
For further information please contact Nicola Smyth, PR Manager UCF on Tel: 028 9066 3281 or 07703 321643 or Contact Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive, UCF, Tel: 028 9066 3281.
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