Be Clear on Cancer Campaign

National bowel cancer campaign launched

The Government’s first ever national cancer campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer  launched yesterday to raise public awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer.  Spotting the signs early and getting medical advice will save people’s lives.

Bowel cancer affects 33,000 people every year in England with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 55. There are 13,000 deaths a year but it can be less deadly if spotted and diagnosed early. More than 90 per cent of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage survive for at least five years compared with only six per cent of those diagnosed at a late stage.

If England’s bowel cancer survival rates matched the best in Europe an additional 1,700 lives would be saved every year.  Often people don’t recognise that they are experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer until it’s too late.

The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign was piloted in the South West and East of England in January 2011.  In those areas, GPs saw the number of people over the age of 50 presenting with the relevant symptoms increase by 48 per cent – about one extra patient per practice per week.

The adverts will appear on TV, radio, online and in newspapers in England for nine weeks from Monday 30 January until the end of March.

Please make sure you know the symptoms of bowel cancer

Supporters of the campaign

Dr Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said:

“Detecting bowel tumours early, before they’ve had a chance to spread, can significantly stack the odds in the patient’s favour. Bowel cancer is currently the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. If people respond to this campaign – and take up bowel screening when invited to do so – we have a chance of pushing bowel cancer well down the league table of killers. We urge people to overcome their fear. For most, any symptoms will turn out to be nothing to worry about. But for those people with cancer, the earlier they go to their doctor, the more likely they are to survive.”

Mark Flannagan, Chief Executive, Beating Bowel Cancer said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting this campaign. Bowel cancer can be beaten if diagnosed early. Most changes in bowel habits probably won’t be cancer but if they are it is much better to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. By increasing awareness of bowel cancer and encouraging people to act on their symptoms, this campaign has the potential to save thousands of lives.”

“Bowel cancer needs to be diagnosed as early as possible so treatment can prevent the cancer from spreading and improve survival chances. It is crucial that people understand that recognising the symptoms and telling their GP could save their life.”

Actor Frazer Hines, who had bowel cancer said:
 
“I’m proof that spotting signs and symptoms for bowel cancer and talking to your doctor early can be a life saver. There’s nothing to be scared or embarrassed about. This campaign is very important and people need to take notice. Lives can be saved by simply visiting the doctor early on to discuss any concerns or worries – however big or small.”

Charlene White, ITN Newsreader, said:

“I wholeheartedly support this campaign. I lost my Mum to bowel cancer when I was 21 so I am very passionate about it as an issue. So many lives could be saved if people look out for the symptoms and go to their doctor early. Your health is very important so if you’re worried about something or you think you have the symptoms please book that appointment.”