SCREENING kits are being sent out to residents at the highest risk of bowel cancer.

Warrington Borough Council’s public health team has sent screening kits to men and women aged between 60 to 74 across the town.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the UK, with around one in 20 people developing it during their lifetime.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin said: “If you receive a bowel screening kit it’s really important to send it back.

“Many people feel embarrassed about undertaking the bowel screening test but it is easy, painless and quick and it could save your life.

“Understanding the symptoms of bowel cancer is also really important – if you are experiencing symptoms, including bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo, a change in bowel habit lasting three weeks or more or unexplained weight loss or a pain or lump in your stomach, go and see your doctor to make sure everything is okay.”

If bowel cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages the chances of surviving a further five years is over 90 per cent.

Ian Buchanan, 63, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 1992.

He said: “The earlier the cancer is caught the better.

“The bowel cancer screening process is designed to catch the cancer before any symptoms are showing, so if you’re of screening age and your screening kit arrives in the post please don’t ignore it – it could save your life.”

For more information or to request a screening kit if you are aged over 74 call 0800 707 6060.