Islanders urged to use bowel-cancer test kits

The Government of Jersey said bowel cancer was one of the most common types of cancer on the island

Islanders are being urged to take up a free offer of bowel-cancer screening if eligible.

The Government of Jersey said bowel cancer was one of the most common types of cancer on the island.

As part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, the government said it wanted more people to make use of free home testing kits.

The kits are being made available to islanders aged between 55 and 65 and would be sent in the post every two years, the government said.

Dr Moses Duku said the home tests diagnose 60-75 patients with bowel cancer per year

It said the test could detect signs of bowel cancer and pre-cancerous changes before symptoms occur.

Consultant Dr Moses Duku said between 60-75 patients with bowel cancer per year were detected using the tests.

He said: "Bowel-cancer screening reduces the risk of dying from bowel cancer by at least 35-50%.

"Screenings can feel daunting and islanders may feel embarrassed to do a sample, so by doing the test in the comfort of your own home you should feel more at ease."

At the moment about 80% of people given the free test kits are using them, the government said.

It said officials would be looking to expand the age range from 55 to 75 to screen a wider section of the population.

What are the symtoms of bowel cancer?

• Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo

• A change in bowel habit lasting for three weeks or more especially to looser or runny poo

• Unexplained weight loss

• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason

• A pain or lump in your tummy