6 days Ago
A bright blue van is currently driving around Bolton for a potentially life-saving reason. Shoppers will see it parked up in retail parks and are invited to step to find out about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. It’s hoped the touring van will help people recognise potential bowel cancer symptoms at an earlier stage, when it’s more treatable.
The bright blue van is part of several ‘This Van Can’ projects being run by the NHS Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and is spending six months visiting all areas of Greater Manchester. It will be visiting Bolton until April 12 which also coincides with bowel cancer awareness month to provide information on the signs and symptoms of the disease and screening. NHS staff and bowel cancer patients have worked together to develop the roadshow and hope it will help save lives.
Specially trained ambassadors on the van will teach people about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, and when to seek help. They will also be able to talk people through how to complete the easy, at-home screening test – also known as a FIT test. Roger Prudham, Clinical Lead for colorectal cancer in Greater Manchester, said: “Finding bowel cancer early makes all the difference.
Research shows that around 9 out of 10 people will survive bowel cancer when it’s diagnosed at its earliest stage. The van is spending six months visiting all areas of Greater Manchester. (Image: Bolton NHS FT) “We really want to find as many cancers as possible as early as we can to help save more lives.
Helping people know what to look out for is an important part of that. “Our bowel cancer awareness van will be out on the roads across Bolton – visiting shopping centres and high streets - helping people understand what they need to look out for. “The team will also be able to help with advice about the bowel cancer screening programme for those who are eligible.
” It’s hoped the touring van will help people recognise potential bowel cancer symptoms at an earlier stage, when it’s more treatable. READ MORE: One in ten Bolton people giving unpaid care, council hears Former Bolton A&E nurse to retire from NHS after 35 years Praise from patients of Royal Bolton's new discharge unit According to the NHS, bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK and is found anywhere in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. How serious bowel cancer is depends on how big the cancer is, if the cancer has spread, and your general health.
Sarah Taylor, a Greater Manchester GP, said: “Symptoms of bowel cancer could include blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom , pain or a lump in your tummy, or losing weight without trying. “If you’ve had any of these symptoms for three weeks or more, your GP would really like to speak to you about it. Symptoms of bowel cancer could include blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom, pain or a lump in your tummy, or losing weight without trying.
(Image: Alamy PA) “Don’t be embarrassed – we have these conversations every day, and we can help. “Chances are it’s not cancer – these symptoms can have lots of other causes too – but if it is cancer, the sooner we spot it the easier it is to treat.” Vanessa, from Trafford, was treated for bowel cancer at the Manchester Royal Infirmary in 2005 and will be on hand at the roadshow to talk to members of the public as a This Van Can Ambassador.
She said: “As a bowel cancer patient myself, I understand how even thinking about the possibility of having cancer can be scary, but please don’t let that stop you getting help. “If you see the van, please do pop on for a chat. We can talk you through what signs and symptoms to look out for, and even the best way to do your at-home screening test when you get one.
“We’re here to help.” The van will be visiting the following Bolton locations: - Burnden Park Shopping Centre – Friday 11th April - Lidl, Westhoughton – Friday 4th April - Tesco, Farnworth – Saturday 5th April - Asda, Astley Bridge – Thursday 10th April - Middlebrook Retail Park, Horwich – Saturday 12th April.
