THURROCK Clinical Commissioning Group is reminding Thurrock residents aged between 60 and 74 to complete screening tests for bowel cancer.

Screening can help catch cancer early, improving the chances of it being successfully treated. However, in Thurrock only 55 per cent complete their screening: the second lowest figure in the whole of Essex.

Everyone aged 60 and 74 who are registered with a GP practice will receive a free home kit in the post every two years.

Thurrock Council’s public health team is calling on everyone to make sure everything is ok and sent a completed test back to the screening laboratory.

Despite death rates falling by over 40% since the 1970s, bowel cancer is still the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, accounting for over 13,000 deaths each year in England alone.

James Halden, councillor for Health and Education, said: “Bowel screening is saving lives but only if people complete the test, which can be done in the comfort of their homes.

“I appreciate it isn’t a nice subject to talk about – but, we need to normalise the conversation and encourage our family and friends to do their tests as finding out quickly greatly increases chances of successful treatment which could save their life.

“At home screening tests can be done every two years; however, two years can be a long time. So if you are concerned about changes with your bowels you must speak to your GP right away.”

The home testing kit is used to collect tiny stool samples on a special card. This must then be sealed in a hygienic freepost envelop and sent back to the screening laboratory where it will be checked by traces of blood invisible to the naked eye.

For more information about bowel cancer screening, visit the Cancer Research UK website.