April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month. Bowel Cancer UK are focusing on raising awareness for bowel cancer screening, which aims to detect bowel cancer at an early stage. Treatment has the best chance of working for people who have had an early diagnosis. Bowel Cancer UK are the UK’s leading Bowel Cancer research charity.
Why is it important to raise awareness about Bowel Cancer screening?
The charity confirm that in some areas of the UK only a third who receive a screening test in the post complete it. This leaves thousands of people missing out on a vital way of detecting the early stages of this type of cancer. With this in mind we have listed below the reasons screening is so important according to experts.
Why Bowel Cancer Screening is so important.
Screening can detect bowel cancer early before any symptoms appear, when it is easier to treat.
It can also prevent bowel cancer from developing in the first place by picking up non-cancerous growths (polyps) which could become cancerous in the future.
As it is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer but it is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early.
Nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stage will survive however, this drops significantly as the disease develops.
If you’re registered with a GP and aged 60-74 (50-74 in Scotland), you will receive a free NHS bowel cancer screening test in the post every two years. It is important that you do accept this invitation for screening. Early detection and treatment could make a huge difference.
We do understand that this is something many people are reluctant to do however, this should really not be the case. You should not be embarrassed about providing a sample for analysis. After all it could save your life. Statistics show that 9 out of 10 people are successfully treated when diagnosis and treatment is at the earliest possible stage.
There is further information about how screening works on the website link below. You will also find information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/
Private Medical Insurance – Cancer Cover
As with all insurance policies it is important to research your options, and Health Insurance is no different. Cover for cancer is one of the most reassuring aspects of having Private Medical Insurance. It is one of the questions we are asked most frequently. As health insurance is often a modular product you can buy a policy tailored you your requirements. Some policies will allow you to remove cover for cancer to save money. If you choose this option, any cancer treatment would be via the NHS.
We can help you compare the different cancer covers available in the UK market. By looking at all of the options, you can find a policy to provide you with peace of mind.
Please contact us on 01245 929129 or email enquires@smphealthcare.com and one of our team will be more than happy to assist you.