Public health leaders in Worcestershire are thanking local people for their increased participation in bowel screening.
The top three rates in the West Midlands region are all in Worcestershire. Malvern Hills, Wychavon and Bromsgrove districts all have a screening rate of over 75% of those who are eligible1.
According to Cancer Research UK, bowel cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in both men and women in the UK. Screening can detect bowel cancer before symptoms appear, making it easier to treat and improving the chances of survival.
In 2021, bowel screening uptake rates in Worcestershire were worse than the national average, with only 64% of those eligible being screened. However, recently published data shows that the rates across the Country rose to 73.3% in 2022, which is significantly higher than the national average.
Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health in Worcestershire said: “We are really grateful to our local community in Worcestershire for responding so positively to our Public Health messages on bowel screening.
“But we can’t be complacent about this latest improvement. I’d encourage everyone who is eligible to take part in the screening programme. It’s straightforward to do with a home-test kit and it can literally save your life.”
More information on bowel screening is available on the NHS website. Screening is available to everyone aged 60 to 74 years. The programme is expanding to make it available to everyone aged 50 to 59 years. This is happening gradually over 4 years and started in April 2021.
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