Portsmouth residents are risking their lives by not taking cancer test

MEDICAL experts are warning that people are putting their lives at risk by not having screenings to detect bowel cancer.

Bowel cancer is the nation’s second biggest cancer killer, however health experts argue that it shouldn’t be as it is curable if diagnosed early.

Clinical Commissioning Groups across Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, are urging people to get checked for the disease as part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

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It comes after fresh figures revealed almost half of the population eligible for screening (42.8 per cent) in Portsmouth.

Dr Jonathan Lake, of Portsmouth CCG said: ‘It is important to remember that cancer is much harder to treat if it’s not caught early. While it is understandable that most of us do not feel comfortable talking about our bowel movements and many may find this particular test unpleasant – this could potentially save your life.

‘There are a number of ways you can reduce your risk of bowel cancer, these include reducing your alcohol intake, giving up smoking and eating healthily.’

People aged 60 to 74 and registered with a GP, will receive a test in the post every two years. For details see bowelcanceruk.org.uk