Pompey are backing a major new health drive to save hundreds of lives from bowel cancer.
The ‘Act on Cancer’ campaign – which has been launched by NHS Portsmouth (SHIP), NHS Southampton City, NHS Hampshire and NHS Isle of Wight – aims to encourage men and women over the age of 50 to seek medical attention if, after three weeks, they are still showing the first signs of bowel cancer – which include rectal bleeding, an unexplained change in bowel habits, such as prolonged diarrhoea, and unexplained weight loss.
With the help of around 60 community volunteers from all walks of life raising awareness of the symptoms, the SHIP PCTs and Central South Coast Cancer Network (CSCCN) is encouraging residents in targeted areas to take home the message that while the over 50s are most at risk of bowel cancer, early detection of symptoms and visiting a GP quickly could help save some of the 16,000 lives lost to bowel cancer in the UK each year.
In the coming weeks they will deliver talks to Pompey Sports & Educations Foundation’s new age kurling sessions in Buckland and Milton.
PSEF health trainer Paul Allen said: “We look forward to welcoming the campaign’s community volunteers when they come and talk to our older members about the importance of early diagnosis and being able to spot the signs and symptoms before it’s too late.
“The club is always keen to support local health initiatives, especially those which could help reduce the number of lives lost to cancer in our community each year. There are some important messages to communicate to our members.”
If anyone is interested in volunteering to help spread the message about the early diagnosis of bowel cancer in their local area, the please contact Sam on 07739 340 162.