To further promote Bowel Cancer Awareness month, NHS Western Isles is pleased to promote its Giant Inflatable Colon film, which can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/264047335
The film was recorded during November 2017 when NHS Western Isles hosted the Giant Inflatable Colon, which travelled to Lewis, Harris, Benbecula and Barra.
The Giant Inflatable Colon is a walk through large scale replica of the human colon or bowel that allows visitors to learn about the various stages of their gut, bowel cancer and other diseases of the large intestine. The inflatable colon helps to breakdown the taboos surrounding the disease. It provides a focal point, putting an animated twist on the very serious topic of bowel cancer whilst easing anxiety and opening the door to a more relaxed and enlightening discussion that can save lives.
Those who attended the Giant Inflatable Colon were given the opportunity to see the actual bowel screening kit and ask questions to local NHS Western Isles staff.
DO YOU KNOW THE BENEFITS OF THE BOWEL SCREENING TEST?
* 9 out of 10 people survive bowel cancer if it’s found and treated early
* The test can find bowel cancer early, even if you don’t have any symptoms
* You do the test in the privacy of your own home
BOWEL SCREENING FACTS
Bowel screening uptake across the Western Isles has increased over time but at around 58%, still less than 3 in 5 of us take up the invitation to be screened.
Invitations and kits are sent to men and women between the ages of 50-74 years for screening every two years.
Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland after lung and breast cancer. For approximately every 650 people invited for regular screening, one bowel cancer death will be prevented.
For further information visit: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/cancer/cancer-types-in-adults/bowel-cancer