Everton legend Kevin Sheedy helps front new North West bowel cancer campaign
He's trying to change attitudes when it comes to completing and returning test kits
Last updated 28th Feb 2024
People across the North West who remember wanting a Walkman and Chopper bike are being encouraged to complete and return their home bowel cancer screening kits!
North West Cancer Research has launched a new nostalgia-inspired campaign - being led in part by Everton legend Kevin Sheedy - to get more people completing and returning their kits.
Bowel cancer is the North West's second biggest cause of cancer deaths. As a whole, cancer rates in the North West are 25% higher than the rest of England.
Everyone aged between 54 and 74 who is registered with a GP is automatically sent a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years.
The kit is used to collect a small sample of poo and send it back to a lab to test for signs of cancer.
Around a third of eligible people across the region did not return their kits in 2022/23, with just 66.5% of people aged 60-74 sending their kits back.
Everton legend Kevin Sheedy, who has received the all-clear after being diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 52, said:
"I started noticing some symptoms such as blood in my poo and going to the toilet more than usual, so I knew I needed to get it checked. My initial tests came back all fine, but my GP sent me for further tests to rule things out. However, the results showed that there was a tumour and I needed an operation.
"Being told it was cancer was still a massive shock – you never think you’ll hear that word being directed at yourself so it’s a lot to take in. I was one of the lucky ones and didn’t need chemotherapy or a colostomy bag.
"That’s why early detection is so important and why I would urge anyone who is eligible, to do their test and send it back straightaway – it could well save your life."
Experts also ask people to look out for key symptoms of bowel cancer, which include:
- Persistent blood in poo
- Persistent change in going to the toilet such as having to go more or poo becoming runnier
- Lowe abdominal pain or discomfort
Dale Vimalachandran, consultant colorectal surgeon at the Countess of Chester, said:
"There’s no doubt that early detection of any cancer leads to better outcomes, and this is especially true for bowel cancer.
"A bowel cancer screening kit is easy and hygienic to use and, while some people may feel hesitant about doing it to begin with, it has the potential to save your life. Being aware of the signs and symptoms is vital and it’s important to know what’s normal for you and your body.
"Seeing your GP when you notice something that doesn’t seem quite right really can make a huge difference."
Alastair Richards, CEO at North West Cancer Research, said:
"Rates of cancer, including bowel cancer, are higher than the national average. This is for a number of reasons, including population demographics and the deprivation we see in many parts of the region.
"While our research aims to close this inequality gap, there are steps that individuals can take to catch signs of bowel cancer and receive treatment early.
"We know that people may not complete their test because they are perhaps fearful of the results or maybe feel squeamish about doing the test itself, but we want to change that with our campaign."
"By reminding people that they may in fact be old enough to now complete their test, we’re hopeful that we can increase the uptake in home screening across the North West and, ultimately, reduce the number of people being diagnosed."