First time bowel screening test recipients in Forth Valley are being urged to join the ‘bowel movement’ as part of a campaign to further increase uptake in Scotland.

The importance of taking the test from the age of 50 has been underlined as new figures show around half of those (50 per cent) aged between 50-51 in Scotland completed and returned their test in 2016¹. Nationally, first timers account for around 10 per cent² of bowel screening test invitations issued each year.

Bowel cancer is more common in those aged 50 and over, but nine out of 10 people survive bowel cancer if it’s caught early³.

Every year, more than 500,000 people do the life-saving bowel screening test in Scotland⁴.  The test – offered to people aged 50 -74 every two years – remains the most effective way of finding the disease early.

The ‘Join the Bowel Movement’ campaign, which first launched in 2015, is being featured across digital media and radio throughout August in a bid to further boost participation in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme.

Mr Joseph Crozier, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at NHS Forth Valley said:

“A lot of people are unaware that the early signs of bowel cancer can be hidden and taking the bowel screening test gives the best chance of detecting cancer early. When detected at an early stage bowel cancer it’s highly treatable and curable if caught early – nine out of ten people survive if it’s caught early.

“I would urge all men and women, between 50 and 74, particularly those getting the test for the first time, to do their screening test when it comes through their door.”

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, said:

“Completing the bowel screening test could save your life. The early symptoms of bowel cancer can be hard to spot, but this screening programme can detect the early stages even before symptoms develop. I’d urge all 50 to 51-year-olds to do it.”

For more information on the bowel screening test, visit getcheckedearly.org or call the Scottish Bowel Screening Helpline on 0800 0121 833.