An Aberaeron woman is backing a campaign urging people to get screened for signs of bowel cancer.

A survey has found that almost half of people in Ceredigion have ignored a bowel screening test.

Kerry Edwards, 63, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer after completing the test, is trying to encourage more people to take part in the programme.

She said: “I received the bowel screening kit in the post shortly after my 60th birthday and completed it straight away. Shortly after, I received a letter referring me for a colonoscopy where I was told I had bowel cancer.

“I had surgery to remove the tumour followed by chemotherapy as it was in my lymph glands. I had no symptoms what so ever and I doubt I would be here now if I hadn’t done the test so I urge everyone to do it. It’s free, it’s done in the privacy of your own bathroom and it could just save your life too.”

More than 2,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year in Wales and over 900 people die from the disease. It’s the second biggest cancer killer in the country.

If you’re registered with a GP and aged 60-74, you will receive a test in the post every two years. You carry out the simple test at home in private and it comes with step by step instructions. The test looks for hidden blood in your poo, which could be an early sign of bowel cancer.

For more information about bowel cancer, symptoms or the screening test, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/screening or pop in to one of Bowel Screening Wales’ information hubs including one on 24 October at Glangwili General Hospital.

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