Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is supporting Bowel Cancer Awareness Month by encouraging local people to be aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer.

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an annual initiative of Bowel Cancer UK running throughout the month of April to raise public awareness of a disease that claims the lives of thousands of people in the UK each year.

Nurse specialists will be on hand to discuss the symptoms of bowel cancer, screening, treatment options and resources at two events; the first on 22 April from 10am to 12pm in the main entrance at King’s Mill Hospital and the second on 29 April from 10am to 2pm in ASDA superstore at Newark.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK affecting both men and women, with around 40,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Approximately one in every 20 people in the UK will develop bowel cancer during their lifetime.

Sharon Hudson, Lead Macmillan Colorectal Nurse Specialist at the Trust, said: “We want to draw attention to three key actions that people can do to reduce the impact of bowel cancer on our community. Firstly, if you are aged over 60 participate in screening. Secondly, make positive lifestyle changes including eating a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Thirdly, know the symptoms, which include blood in poo or bleeding from the bottom, changes in bowel habit lasting three weeks or more, extreme tiredness for no reason, weight loss for no reason and a pain or lump in the tummy.

“People may experience one, some, all, or none of these symptoms. While these symptoms may be due to other conditions, it’s important to see a doctor to be sure.

“Bowel Cancer Awareness Month has a positive message – saving lives through early detection – as bowel cancer is one of the most curable types of cancer if found early.”