April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month which is being championed by several UK charities including Bowel Cancer UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK and Guts UK.

It is reported that Bowel Cancer (also known as Colon Cancer) is the fourth common cancer in the UK and if detected early, the cure rate exceeds 90%. In spite of this, according to Cancer Research UK, “Unfortunately it is the second biggest cause of cancer death in the UK. It is often detected late and can spread to other organs, like the liver, where it becomes very difficult to treat”. Early diagnosis saves lives and so it is vital that people know of the symptoms which can be associated with Bowel Cancer.

As a reminder, the usual symptoms of bowel cancer are:-

• Bleeding from your bum;
• Blood in your poo;
• Dark poo;
• Persistent unusual changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea/constipation);
• Pain in your stomach;
• Anaemia (which can cause tiredness);
• Unintentional weight loss;
• A noticeable belly (abdominal) lump.

Almost 9 in 10 diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK are in people over 60; however, cases in younger people are increasing. The recent passing of James van der Beek from Colon Cancer highlights that it has never been more important to consider your own change in bowel habits and to raise awareness.

How can you help raise awareness?

It has never been easier to raise awareness of Bowel Cancer, symptoms, treatment and stories of survival!

• You can help others via fundraising for research and support for your preferred Bowel Cancer charity;
• You can raise awareness by following Bowel Cancer charities on social media and sharing, liking and commenting on awareness and information posts;
• You can share stories on social media or within your own circles. There are lots of positive stories of bowel cancer survivors and how they noticed their symptoms, how they survived treatment and how they are living now;
• You can help yourself by thinking about your own bowel habits and looking out for changes, including using the FIT screening kit sent to UK residents following your 50th birthday. Cancer Research UK states that “The test looks for invisible traces of blood in small poo samples and can help detect bowel cancer before it causes noticeable symptoms or even prevent it from developing”

Bowel Cancer UK is just one of the charities raising awareness for Bowel Cancer; their campaign this year is ActiveApril! Their mission is to get you to do something active every day in April to raise money to support people affected by bowel cancer.

This can be any challenge anytime, anywhere between 1 April to 30 April; their campaign is free to sign up and they ask for a minimum target of £150.

More information including the sign-up form can be obtained from the Bowel Cancer UK website. www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk.

How can Williamsons Solicitors help you?

Our Clinical Negligence Team have significant experience in successfully pursuing claims involving delay in diagnosis and treatment of Bowel Cancer. We are happy to discuss, in confidence, to potential to bring a clinical negligence claim and to explore your options.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with bowel cancer and you feel there has been a delay in a diagnosis or treatment, which has resulted in a worse outcome, please contact our experienced and understanding Clinical Negligence Team on 01482 323697.