UNIVERSITY Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) wants members of the public to ensure they understand bowel cancer and encourage people with symptoms to visit their GP.

The Cumbria & Morecambe Bay Bowel Cancer Screening team have been responsible for nearly 254,892 people being screened, and detected 429 bowel cancer cases since the opening of their screening centre in 2008.

The programme has also removed polyps in over 1,162 people which could have developed into cancer.

Sue Smith, Executive Chief Nurse of UHMBT, said: “It is important for the Trust to support Bowel Cancer Awareness Month because so many people are affected by the condition. It is vital that the public know how to identify the condition and what support is out there for them.”

A series of roadshows will be held to raise awareness of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme available for all 60 to 75-year-olds.

The roadshows will run from 10am to 2pm on the follow dates:

Wednesday 6 April at Morrison’s Supermarket, Kendal.

Tuesday 12 April at Morrison’s Supermarket, Barrow-in-Furness.

Wednesday 13 April at Tesco Supermarket, Carnforth.

Wednesday 20 April at Tesco Supermarket, Barrow-in-Furness.

Wednesday 27 April at Asda Supermarket, Barrow-in-Furness.

There will also be a session on Sunday April 17 at Kendal Colour Dash at Kirkbie Kendal School from 9am to 12pm.

Helen Mason, Lead Admin Officer, UHMBT, said: “Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK; yet most bowel cancers can be successfully treated if detected early. Screening like this is extremely important and potentially life-saving, but many people are too embarrassed to approach the issue themselves."

Find out more at www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/.