Bowel cancer campaign launched in Neath Port Talbot to improve early diagnosis
A campaign to improve early diagnosis of bowel cancer is being launched in Neath Port Talbot, where more than half of cases are diagnosed at a later stage.
Bowel Cancer UK is working with Swansea Bay University Health Board to raise awareness of symptoms and encourage people to seek medical advice sooner.
Andy Glyde, the charity's Strategy and Insight Lead, said the area faced particular challenges, with more than half of bowel cancers in Neath Port Talbot diagnosed at a late stage, when the disease is more difficult to treat.
He said early diagnosis could make a significant difference to survival rates.
More than nine in 10 people diagnosed with bowel cancer at stage one survive, compared with fewer than one in 10 diagnosed at stage four.
Symptoms can include blood in the stool, bleeding from the bottom, changes in bowel habits, unexplained tiredness, pain or weight loss.
Mr Glyde said people should speak to their GP if they notice anything unusual, even if they feel embarrassed or worried about wasting a doctor's time.
He said GPs could provide a simple test for people to complete at home.
The programme will involve working with local communities, community leaders and healthcare professionals, as well as raising awareness through public information stalls, advertising and radio.
Mr Glyde said: “The most important thing to remember is if something isn't right, it's so important to go and speak to your GP. They want to speak to you.”
He added that symptoms did not necessarily mean someone had bowel cancer, but getting checked quickly could improve outcomes if they did.