Bowel cancer awareness

In Eastbourne alone there is an average of 77 new cases every year and when combined with figures from Hailsham and Seaford this rises to 102 people every year receiving the diagnosis.

For bowel cancer awareness month, East Sussex Outpatient Services (ESOPS), the consultant-led outpatients clinic on South Cliff, Eastbourne, is helping to push for greater awareness of the disease and its symptoms.

The three main symptoms to look out for are: blood in the stools, changes in bowel habits (sustained over a three week period) and abdominal (tummy) pain.

Age, diet, weight, lack of exercise, alcohol, smoking and family history can all increase your risk. In addition, the over 60s and men are more likely than women to get the disease.

Dr Joerg Bruuns, head of East Sussex Outpatient Services, said, “Many people feel too embarrassed about their symptoms to see their doctor, but it’s very treatable if caught in its early stages.

“Irrespective of your age, sex or risk factors, it is so important that people see their doctor if they feel concerned about their symptoms.

“Your GP can assess you and if necessary, refer you to a specialist for further tests.”

For more information about East Sussex Outpatient Services, which is an independent healthcare provider working alongside the NHS, visit www.esops.co.uk.

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