“This test could save your life”

That is the message from people backing a regional campaign for people to not ignore a bowel cancer test sent to the homes of all people after they turn 50.

The home test kit collects a small sample of poo which is posted back to a lab to be checked for tiny amounts of blood.

Blood can be a sign of polyps – growths in the bowel which can turn to cancer – or could already be a sign of cancer itself.

In a new campaign, backed by public health experts, a new appeal is made to people – “this test could save your life”.

In a special video supported by seven health organisations, a series of health professionals and those impacted by bowel cancer have shared their stories.

In the video, professor Matt Rutter, head of the Tees bowel cancer screening centre at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, whose hospitals some of our people in North Yorkshire use, says: "If we find bowel cancer at an early stage, it is very easy to cure, which is why we have a screening programme."

Test kit envelope – what to expect

Kelley Williamson, a specialist bowel screening practitioner, adds: “Inside the envelope you receive is a little plastic tube and some instructions on how to collect a stool sample. You do that in the privacy of your own bathroom.

“You then post it back to our laboratory where it’s tested and if there’s a trace of blood in it we’ll invite you to speak to one of our very supportive and friendly screening practitioners.”

As part of the national bowel cancer screening programme, every person aged 50 to 74 is sent a test every two years.

As part of the video, those who have completed the test and have had treatment for bowel cancer also shared their stories.

Abdul Shakoor Rashid, was posted the test and completed it.

He says: "It’s not every day an envelope could save your life".

"I have advised all of my friends to not ignore this leaflet and home test, it’s for your own benefit."