April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Bowel cancer is Ireland’s second most common cancer and it affects more men than women.  Despite this stark fact, men (only 36%) are much less likely to do a simple home screening test which aims to find bowel cancer at an early stage in people who have no symptoms.  The test is free and available to men (and women) aged 60 to 69.  Throughout Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (April), BowelScreen - the HSE National Bowel Screening Programme - will highlight the importance of bowel screening, and aims to encourage those eligible to register for the free test.  People on the register will receive a home test in the post which is easy to use and non-invasive.  The test only takes a minute, and can be done in the privacy of your own home.  Results are usually back within four weeks.  To find out more and register for the programme, visit www.bowelscreen.ie or call Freephone 1800 45 45 55.