HEALTH chiefs have urged people in the Borders to watch for signs of bowel cancer.
It is the third most common cancer in Scotland with around 4,000 men and women diagnosed each year. Experts say that one in 19 people will get bowel cancer at some point in their lives. Statistics show that nine out of 10 will survive if it is detected and treated in its early stages.
The Scottish Government offers two-yearly tests to people aged between 50 and 74, but just over half of the 750,000 who qualify for the self-test take up the offer. Over-74s can ask for a kit.
A spokesman for the Scottish Bowel Screening programme commented: “Most will have a negative result. About 10 out of 500 taking the test will have blood in their bowel ... it is likely one person will have cancer.”
The screening helpline number is 0800 0121 833.