North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust is supporting the Be Clear on Cancer bowel cancer campaign launched this month by the Government.
The campaign will run from 30 January for two months and will incorporate TV, radio, print and online advertising. It aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and encourage those with these symptoms to see their doctor.
Bowel cancer is England’s second most common cancer, with around 33,000 new cases each year. It affects both men and women and is responsible for more than 13,000 deaths a year. Nine out of ten people diagnosed with bowel cancer are aged over 55 and those with a family history are at more risk.
General awareness of the early symptoms is low, but early detection of bowel cancer makes it more treatable.
It is estimated that 1,700 additional lives could be saved each year if England’s bowel cancer survival rate matched the best in Europe.
The key signs and symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in poo or looser poo for three weeks or more.
For further information about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, please visit www.nhs.uk/bowelcancer