April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

In Brent, Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Brent and regular screening can help prevent it or find it at an earlier stage

when it is easier to treat.

To coincide with Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and local health promotion events taking place, we are pleased to inform you that RM Partners North West & South West London Cancer Alliance<https://rmpartners.nhs.uk/>, has supported delivery of a local bowel cancer awareness campaign in Brent which aims to:

* Encourage uptake of bowel cancer screening, and
* Advise patients to contact their GP practice if they notice potential symptoms.

The campaign is particularly for people aged 50-60 years from communities who are more at risk of developing bowel cancer, and who are less likely to take part in screening, or to contact their GP practice if they have any potential symptoms.

The campaign officially launched with the creation of a chalk pavement artwork showcasing the campaign key message and creative concept, alongside the Brent Health Matters Health Bus event at Wembley Central Square on 10th April. Information about bowel cancer and bowel cancer screening was provided to members of the public who were also able to have blood pressure and diabetes health checks.

Awareness-raising activities during April also include:

* targeted social media campaign and the provision of social media and digital assets and
* printed resources for use by local partners, primary care and community organisations, alongside NHS bowel cancer patient information resources.

How can primary care support the campaign?

The attached Brent Bowel Cancer Awareness Campaign Communications Toolkit provides content and ideas for general practice, to support raising awareness of the importance of bowel screening and needing to contact their GP Practice if they have signs and symptoms.

The campaign materials included in the toolkit are for everyone aged 50–74 who is eligible for screening and have been designed especially for people in their 50s who are receiving a home screening kit through the post for the first time this year and have been developed following engagement with the local people and community groups it is designed for.