Version: March 2010 Having A Bowel Test Bowel Information Pack for People with a Learning Disability

Version: March 2010 Section 1 Why do we have bowel screening tests?

Version: March 2010 What is the bowel ? Your bowel is inside you It looks like a long tube The food you eat goes through your bowel and comes out of your bottom as poo

Version: March 2010 Who has bowel tests ? All men and women between the ages of 60 and 74 will get a bowel test The invitations are sent out every 2 years

Version: March 2010 What does the test look for ? The bowel test looks for small amounts of blood in your poo that you cannot see

Version: March 2010 What does the test look for ? Small amounts of blood in your poo MIGHT mean there is a bowel cancer You will need to have it checked out

Version: March 2010 What is bowel cancer ? Sometimes the cells in your bowel grow too quickly They are called abnormal cells Abnormal cells can become cancer

Version: March 2010 What is cancer ? Cancer is a very serious illness which could get worse if not treated Lots of people who get cancer get better

Version: March 2010 Why do we have bowel tests ? The bowel test looks for early signs of bowel cancer It could save your life!

Version: March 2010 Risks that may increase your chance of getting bowel cancer If someone in your family has had bowel cancer If you do not exercise very much If you are overweight If you eats lots of red meat

Version: March 2010 What if I decide not to do a bowel test ? It is very important to go and see your doctor if you develop any unusual symptoms like: –Bleeding from your bottom –Pains in your tummy –Feeling very tired a lot of the time –Losing weight without trying –If your bowel habits change It is very important to have your annual health check

Version: March 2010 What do I do if I’m worried ? Talk to a support worker, family member or friend Talk to your nurse or doctor Talk to Bowel Screening Wales Bowel Screening Wales Telephone Helpline