A South West hospital is doing its bit to get more people talking about bowel cancer.
The team at Emersons Green NHS Treatment Centre has teamed up with Bowel Cancer UK to promote awareness of the condition that is the fourth most common cancer in the UK.
As well as raising awareness, the team have been raising funds too for the charity that supports people with the condition.
Holly Wale, the centre’s Business Development Manager, said: “We have raised almost £400 with raffles, cakes and book sales and a day when we donated money to wear our favourite team’s football shirts to work.
"On another occasion the centre looked lurid as we all wore green and yellow for the day and we are planning more events throughout the year to boost the total.”
Medical Director Ade Adeniyi said: “At Emersons Green Treatment Centre we offer diagnostic screening of the bowel should patients be referred by their GP.
"An endoscope (a very thin, long camera) is passed through the anus to view the large bowel and parts of the small bowel.
"Almost 42,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK, and the quicker the symptoms are spotted, the more successful the treatment will be.”
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
• Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your stools • A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
• A pain or lump in your tummy.
Mr Adeniyi said: “There is a taboo around bowels, but do not let embarrassment or fear stop you asking your GP if you have a concern.
"Around 16,000 people die from bowel cancer each year, making it the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.
"Your doctor will not make you feel embarrassed and they would feel happier seeing you than have you face an uncertain future.”
The team at Emersons Green will be holding fundraising and awareness-raising events for the charity throughout the year.
