Croydon joins Bowel Cancer UK's Early Diagnosis Programme
More than half of people diagnosed with bowel cancer in Croydon are now diagnosed at stage 1 or stage 2, when treatment is often more effective and outcomes can be significantly improved.
To help improve early diagnosis rates further, Bowel Cancer UK has launched a pioneering Early Diagnosis Programme in Croydon. Croydon Health Services is partnering with RM Partners Cancer Alliance on the 12-month programme, which is funded by the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK.
Bowel Cancer UK has launched a pioneering Early Diagnosis Programme in Croydon designed to help diagnose bowel cancer earlier. This new approach aims to save lives by helping more people recognise the potential symptoms of bowel cancer and seek professional help sooner.
The Early Diagnosis Programme will be working directly with communities across Croydon, in particular, New Addington South, Selhurst, Thornton Heath and West Thornton to help people recognise the symptoms of bowel cancer, feel confident speaking to their GP if something doesn't look or feel right, and complete their bowel cancer screening test when invited.
The programme includes:
- Community events and awareness activities
- Social and community group outreach
- An advertising campaign to raise awareness of symptoms
- Engagement with healthcare professionals to support earlier diagnosis
We are proud to partner with RM Partners Cancer Alliance in this 12-month programme, funded by the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK. By combining community awareness with support for healthcare professionals, we hope to tackle the barriers that can prevent people from acting quickly on potential symptoms.
For Croydon resident Sophie Williams, bowel cancer changed her life forever. Her husband Chris was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer at the age of just 42, after becoming increasingly unwell. The first signs appeared during two family weddings in August, where Chris wasn't eating or drinking much, felt constantly sick, and just wasn't himself. He had been speaking with his GP and was awaiting a colonoscopy and a pelvic and abdominal CT scan, but his condition quickly deteriorated.
Over the next few days, he began vomiting and noticed changes in his bowel movements. He was admitted to hospital. Despite subsequent treatment, his cancer rapidly progressed to stage 4. Just four weeks after his initial diagnosis, Sophie and Chris were married in the hospital, but tragically, Chris died three days later.
Sophie hopes that by sharing their story, more people will recognise the signs of bowel cancer and seek help sooner.
Sophie Williams said: "I can't believe I was dancing with Chris at family weddings in August and arranging his funeral in October. Everything changed so quickly. If sharing our story encourages even one person to recognise the symptoms and speak to their GP sooner, then it could make all the difference. Early diagnosis really does save lives."
Matthew Kershaw, Head of Croydon Place and Chief Executive at Croydon Health Services, says: "We know that people can sometimes delay seeking help from healthcare professionals. We want every resident to feel comfortable about coming forward early about any bowel health concerns and taking up screening when invited. Taking information and support directly into our communities, particularly in areas where we know the need is greatest, is an important step towards reducing inequalities and improving health across Croydon."
The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Blood in your poo
- A change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
- Losing weight but you’re not sure why
- Feeling very tired all the time but you’re not sure why
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Residents are urged to contact their GP practice if they notice any of these symptoms, or if something doesn't look or feel right. Bowel Cancer UK is encouraging people living in Croydon to get involved with the programme by volunteering at events, sharing their experiences of bowel cancer, or raise awareness within the community.
For more information about bowel cancer symptoms and how to get involved in the programme, visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/edp-croydon/