Take the test when it arrives through the post or call 0800 0121 833 to order a new one.

April is ‘Bowel Cancer Awareness Month’ and during this month NHS Western Isles will be joining others across Scotland to highlight the importance of people ‘joining the Bowel Movement’.

Bowel cancer is one of the three most common cancers in Scotland with around 3,700 new cases every year. The older you get, the higher your risk of developing bowel cancer. It’s more common in people over 50, especially men. However, if it’s detected early enough, there’s a 9 out of 10 chance of beating it. The best way to find it early is to take part in a screening test which you can complete in the comfort of your own home.

You will first be invited around your 50th birthday and will be offered it every two years until you are 74, you can then request a test kit by calling 0800 0121 833. Right now, only 57% – just over half – of people within the Western Isles who are the right age for the test actually complete it.

During April, NHS Western Isles will have displays in various locations throughout the Islands. A short video will be released to explain how to use the new test which was introduced in November 2017, and we will also have various photos from our recent Giant Inflatable Bowel tour of the Outer Hebrides which took place across Island communities at the end of last year.

Just remember if you have previously not taken part or lost your test kit, you can request a new one by calling 0800 0121 833.