Health experts in Walsall are warning that low uptake of bowel cancer screening is putting lives at risk, with less than half of people in some areas completing the simple test. A Bowel Cancer Awareness Event was held at the Hive Community Hub in Willenhall to educate the public about symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis.
Late-stage diagnoses a major concern
Consultants at Walsall Manor Hospital revealed that many patients are being admitted as emergencies with advanced bowel cancer, significantly reducing their chances of survival. Mr Muhammad Tayyab, Consultant General/Colorectal Surgeon, said: "Four out of 10 people with bowel cancer are coming as an emergency, meaning they're blocked or perforated, and the prognosis will be worse."
The hospital previously had some of the worst outcomes in the country, but after community outreach efforts, results have improved. However, screening uptake remains below 50%, which Mr Tayyab described as "shocking" and "dramatically low."
Survivor urges people to take the test
Former councillor Ian Shires, who survived bowel cancer despite missing two tests, shared his story at the event. He urged people not to avoid screening, saying cancer "isn't the death sentence it used to be." Mr Shires now works as a patient advocate for the West Midlands Cancer Alliance.
Fear of diagnosis and procedure
Mr Stephen Odogwu, Consultant Surgeon, said many people avoid screening due to fear: "People don't like touching poo, fear the test, or fear being told they have cancer. But bowel cancer is slow-growing, and if picked up early, the chances of cure are high."
He stressed that colonoscopy is not as painful or uncomfortable as people think, and early detection can lead to a 90% cure rate for stage one and two cancers.
Symptoms to watch for
Consultants advised seeking medical help if experiencing unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, bleeding from the bottom, bloating, or stomach pain. They urged everyone to complete their FIT test kits and contact the team with any questions.
