bowel cancer awareness in Derbyshire.

Building on the well-received Be Cancer Safe North Derbyshire campaign, Derbyshire Voluntary Action are now delivering a new project, raising awareness of bowel cancer signs and symptoms among men and the importance of screening with a focus on areas in Derbyshire where screening uptake is traditionally low.

The project launched earlier this year and project workers are engaging with local businesses to talk to staff and create ‘cancer champions’ who can then spread the simple health message to their colleagues, friends and family. Richard, a project worker for the initiative, said, “It is important if you notice any changes in your body to contact your GP if you feel concerned. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and affects 1 in every 15 men. Over 40% of people are unaware of signs of the disease and we want as many people as possible to know the signs and symptoms at the earliest opportunity and take the chance to be screened.”

Signs and symptoms include:

·       A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool.

·       Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.

·       Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.

Visit our pledge page to become a cancer champion or email becancersafe@dva.org.uk for more information.