Jackie Baillie MSP for Dumbarton is supporting Bowel Cancer Awareness Month this year and sponsored a drop-in event at Holyrood for Bowel Cancer UK.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Scotland with around 4,200 people diagnosed every year. Sadly, more than 1,700 people die from the disease each year, making it the second biggest cancer killer in Scotland but it shouldn’t be as it’s treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However this drops significantly as the disease develops.

New findings released by Bowel Cancer UK for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month have revealed that nearly half of people (47 percent) in Scotland cannot name a single bowel cancer symptom. Early diagnosis is essential to improving bowel cancer outcomes and being able to recognise the symptoms and speaking to your GP when you feel something isn’t right, could save your life.

The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:

• Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your stool
• A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
• A pain or lump in your tummy

Jackie Baillie MSP is working with Bowel Cancer UK to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease, help improve early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care both in Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven, Balloch, Helensburgh and Lomond and nationally.

She said: “I am pleased to support Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and would encourage anyone in my constituency to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and don’t hesitate to contact your GP if you are suffering from any of them.

“Early detection is key when it comes to bowel cancer which is very treatable.”

Dr Lisa Wilde, Director of Research and External Affairs at Bowel Cancer UK, comments: “Bowel cancer remains the second biggest cancer killer in Scotland, and it’s shocking that people aren’t aware of the symptoms to look out for. We’re delighted to have the support of Jackie Baillie who attended our event at Holyrood and who will help raise awareness of bowel cancer in the Dumbarton constituency.

“If you notice any signs of bowel cancer, or if things just don’t feel right for you, please visit your GP. While the disease largely affects people over the age of 50, over 200 people under 50 are diagnosed each year in Scotland, so it’s really important people seek advice as soon as possible – whatever their age – if they’re worried.”

To find out more about bowel cancer, visit Bowel Cancer UK’s website: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk