Woman saved from cancer – by post!

A WARRINGTON woman diagnosed with bowel cancer is now free of the disease – thanks to a testing kit sent in the post.
Margaret Fryer, 61, from Great Sankey, received a bowel cancer screening kit through the post soon after her 60th birthday.
She had had no symptoms of bowel cancer, however she carried out the screening test.
The test detected traces of blood. She was sent to hospital for further testing and then admitted later to have a tumour removed. She has since been discharged with the all clear and only a 0.5 per cent chance of a re-occurrence.
Margaret said: “I would encourage anyone who receives one of these kits not to ignore it. You never know it could prevent you going through a terrible time or even save your life. It turned out the tumour I had was quite large but was growing outside the bowel which was why I had no symptoms. Thanks goodness I took the time to do the test that I had been sent. I now tell all my friends and family to do the same, it really could save your life. ”
Those most at risk from bowel cancer, men and women aged between 60-74 years, are being sent the simple screening kit.
The council is encouraging residents to ensure they use the kits as the Government launches its first ever national cancer campaign to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in the UK. Around one in 20 people will develop the disease during their lifetime. The kits can detect cancer at an early stage in people with no symptoms, when treatment is more likely to be effective.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, the council’s lead member for public health and wellbeing, said: “If you receive a bowel screening kit, it’s really important to complete it and send it back.  Many people feel embarrassed about undertaking the bowel screening test but it is easy, painless and quick and it could save your life.
“Understanding the symptoms of bowel cancer is also really important. If you are experiencing symptoms including bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo, a change in bowel habit lasting for three weeks or more, unexplained weight loss or a pain or lump in your stomach, or changes that are just not normal for you, go and see your doctor to make sure everything is okay.”