Welcome fellow carers. My name is Matthew Mckenzie and I campaign regarding unpaid carers. Most of my time I focus on those caring for someone with mental illness. However this blog is a little different, well ok a lot more different. Before I continue, feel free to watch the video version of my awareness blog

I am still focusing on unpaid carers, but more on those who care for someone with cancer. Why is that you ask? Well I run a carer’s stall at some hospitals. Those visiting someone using those hospitals drop by that stall and I often get those who care for someone with cancer. Yes, a lot do visit requesting information or just wanting to be heard.

Did you know that April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month?

Unfortunately Someone dies of bowel cancer every 30 minutes in the UK. So raising awareness of Bowel cancer is incredibly important.

Bowel cancer awareness month is an opportunity to highlight the symptoms of bowel cancer and encourage people to get tested.

In fact this type of cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. It is the UK’s second biggest killer from cancers and most likely to be diagnosed in people over 60.

Some of the common symptoms of bowel cancer include:

• Bleeding from the bottom and blood in poo
• Being easily fatigued with no obvious reason or cause
• Pain or a lump in the tummy
• Persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
• Sudden and unexplained weight loss

With these symptoms it is so important to get screened or tested for bowl cancer. This is especially important for those from ethnic groups. There is no shame being tested or talking about it.

If you are caring for someone with cancer, it can be understandable that talking about this can be difficult. Carers of those with cancer are suddenly thrown into a world of advocating, feeling guilt and stressed at what the future holds. It is important health professionals identify and listen to these types of carers.

How can we reduce the onset of Bowl cancer?

• Eat less red meat and avoid processed meat
• Eat more wholegrains, pulses, vegetables and fruit
• Be a healthy body weight
• Be more physically active
• Drink less alcohol
• Stop smoking.

I hope this blog has raised much needed awareness. I certainly will be covering more on those who care for someone with cancer to continue raising awareness.