A woman who credits a cancer screening programme for saving her life is urging others to take the test.
Liz Harris, 64, was diagnosed with the disease in November 2014 after returning a bowel screening test, sent to everyone in Scotland aged 50-74.
After undergoing a colonoscopy and a CT scan, Liz was told she had bowel cancer and went through surgery in January 2015 where a tumour was removed from her bowel.
She is backing the drive to encourage more Scots to return their bowel screening tests as statistics show that people are 14 times more likely to survive bowel cancer if it’s found early.
More than half a million people in Scotland do their bowel screening test every year, which is sent through the post.
Although more people are returning their tests than ever before, the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early campaign is targeting those who put it off.
Latest figures show that on average 46,000 bowel screening tests are returned in September, which is just over 1,500 tests per day, prompting the call for people to do theirs as they’re not alone.
Liz, who is a mum of three, said: “If I didn’t complete the bowel home screening kit, my tumour would have continued to grow inside my bowel without me knowing. By the time I had symptoms it might have been too late to treat.
“I’m walking proof that home screening works so I hope by sharing my story, others will remember to get checked and send their test away, even if it’s for peace of mind.”
For more information, or to find out how to request a replacement test, visit getcheckedearly.org
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