Transcript Learning Disability Bowel Screening Pack

Having A Bowel Test
Bowel Information Pack
for
People with a Learning Disability
Version: March 2010
Section 1
Why do we have bowel screening
tests?
Version: March 2010
What is the bowel ?
• Your bowel is inside
you
• It looks like a long
tube
• The food you eat
goes through your
bowel and comes out
of your bottom as poo
Version: March 2010
Who has bowel tests ?
• All men and women
between the ages of
60 and 74 will get a
bowel test
• The invitations are
sent out every 2 years
Version: March 2010
What does the test look for ?
• The bowel test looks
for small amounts of
blood in your poo that
you cannot see
Version: March 2010
What does the test look for ?
• Small amounts of blood in your poo
MIGHT mean there is a bowel cancer
• You will need to have it checked out
Version: March 2010
What is bowel cancer ?
• Sometimes the cells
in your bowel grow
too quickly
• They are called
abnormal cells
• Abnormal cells can
become cancer
Version: March 2010
What is cancer ?
• Cancer is a very
serious illness which
could get worse if not
treated
• Lots of people who
get cancer get better
Version: March 2010
Why do we have bowel tests ?
• The bowel test looks for early signs of
bowel cancer
• It could save your life!
Version: March 2010
Risks that may increase your
chance of getting bowel cancer
• If someone in your family has had bowel
cancer
• If you do not exercise very much
• If you are overweight
• If you eats lots of red meat
Version: March 2010
What if I decide not to do a bowel
test ?
• It is very important to go and see your doctor if
you develop any unusual symptoms like:
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Bleeding from your bottom
Pains in your tummy
Feeling very tired a lot of the time
Losing weight without trying
If your bowel habits change
• It is very important to have your annual health
check
Version: March 2010
What do I do if I’m worried ?
• Talk to a support
worker, family
member or friend
• Talk to your nurse
or doctor
• Talk to Bowel
Screening Wales
Version: March 2010
Bowel Screening Wales
Telephone Helpline
0800 294 3370