As some of you may know, Alan (Chorlton Traders Co-Chair) has recently had rectal cancer. Thankfully he is now cancer-free, due largely to early detection, and the world-class treatment he has received from the NHS.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, and affects both men and women. Although more common as you get older, it does occur at a younger age – you no doubt have heard of the wonderful ‘Bowel Babe’ Dame Deborah James, who did so much to raise awareness and demystify this cancer.
There are numerous causes for a change in bowel habits (e.g. piles, IBS, benign polyps) however it is important to see your GP if you notice a change lasting longer than a few weeks. Alan himself was really reluctant to go for a scan, but his GP persuaded him, and it is this that started the process to save his life.
Alan will be visiting some Chorlton shops (mainly barbers and nail salons) with a Bowel Cancer UK poster. If you want one to display in your premises, you can either download the PDF and print it out, or let us know and we will get some more hard copies.
Let’s together help to raise awareness of bowel cancer across Chorlton. For more information there are several support groups, for example check out
https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/
Thanks
Alan and Steph
Co-chairs, Chorlton Traders