Resource launched in Scotland for people with learning difficulties

Thursday, September 06, 2012

A new resource was today launched by Bowel Cancer UK, to help people with learning disabilities make informed choices about bowel health and their Scottish bowel screening programme invitation.

The 'Bowel Health and Screening' pack, for people aged between 50 and 74, includes a guide for carers which aims to give them the confidence to discuss good bowel health. The guide recognises the vital role carers play in helping support those they care for make choices about their health on a daily basis. Also included is Bowel Cancer UK's Good Bowel Health book and the Scottish National Bowel Screening Programme's Bowel Screening DVD resource.

The launch event, at the Abercorn Conference Centre, Paisley, was hosted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde who are also a key partner, along with Scottish Consortium for Learning Disabilities and NHS Health Scotland, with funding from Awards for All.

Minister for Public Health Michael Matheson said: "We know that the earlier cancer is found the easier it is to treat and that our bowel screening programme provides the best opportunity to find cancer at the earliest stage. It is therefore vital that bowel screening is accessible to all and I am delighted to support a new resource which will give those with learning disabilities and their carers the tools and support to decide whether screening is right for them."

Sarah Porch, Director of Services, Bowel Cancer UK said: "Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in Scotland but it needn't be, as if it is caught early it is very treatable. Ensuring everyone knows about the symptoms of bowel cancer and the importance of going to their doctor if they have them is crucial. Understanding the importance of and taking part in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is also extremely important. The clear and concise information and images in this resource will help promote good bowel health and earlier diagnosis of bowel cancer and so save lives."

At the launch event were approximately 100 attendees including people with learning disabilities, NHS health improvement teams, screening representatives, learning disability nurses, public health professionals, care providers, representatives from Bowel Cancer UK and other Third Sector organisations.