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Bowel Cancer experts offer
advice to local patients
SPECIALIST nursing teams from the Royal
Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust are promoting Bowel
Cancer Awareness Month, during April 2016.
The team are hosting a series of bowel cancer awareness roadshows onsite at the
Royal and Broadgreen Hospitals to highlight the signs and symptoms of bowel
cancer and the importance of bowel cancer screening.
Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK and the second most common
cause of cancer deaths. In Merseyside and Cheshire, death rates from bowel
cancer are higher than the national average, with more than 570 people dying
from it each year.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of the bowel cancer
screening kit for 60 to 74 year olds, and to encourage more people to complete
the simple test kit when it is mailed to them. This little kit could save
someone's life.
Staff from the specialist nursing team will be on hand to answer any questions
around bowel cancer screening; in addition they will be giving out patient
information leaflets and useful resources.
Geoff Fitzgerald, programme manager at the Royal for Liverpool Bowel Cancer
Screening Programme said:- "The bowel cancer awareness sessions are a
fantastic way for us to speak to patients about how they can look after their
bowel health. Also, the sessions are a great opportunity for us to answer any
questions they may have around the bowel cancer screening programme. In 2015 alone we saw 632 patients and removed polyps from over 63% of them.
Polyps, which are small growths on the inner lining of the bowel, can lead to
bowel cancer so removing them early can save lives. We are advising those
patients over 60 who have received the kit to get tested as soon as possible,
after all this little kit could save your life."
The team will be visiting the various sites on the following dates and times:-
Royal Liverpool University Hospital (Main foyer)
► Tuesday, 12 April 2016, 9am to 2pm.
► Tuesday, 19 April 2016, 9am to 2pm.
Broadgreen Hospital
► Thursday, 21 April 2016, 9am to 2pm.
People are advised to speak to their doctor/GP straight away if they experience
a change in their normal bowel habits lasting 3 weeks or more. They should look
out for 1 or more of the following symptoms:-
► Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo.
► A change in bowel habit that lasts for 3 weeks or more, especially a
looser or runny poo.
► Unexplained weight loss.
► Extreme tiredness for no reason.
► A pain or lump in their tummy.
Most of these symptoms won't be bowel cancer. However, if you're worried, it is
always best to make an appointment with your doctor to have the symptoms checked
out.
If you're aged 60 to 74 and have not received your kit or you have misplaced your
kit you can call:- 0800 707 6060 to order a new 1.
If you are unable to attend the bowel cancer awareness sessions you can join in
the conversation, by taking part in our Tweet Chat.
You can show your support and ask questions by
Tweeting the team @RoyalLpoolHospitals and by using the hashtag #AsktheExpert, on Tuesday, 19
April 2016, between 2pm to 4pm. "Our bowel cancer specialist will be answering any questions you
may have on bowel cancer or the screening programme or general bowel health and
wellbeing." added the Trust. For more information you can also
visit Cancer Research UK's
website.
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Biggest financial worry for
over 65's in the North West is running out of money
THE biggest financial worry for 22% of
people aged 65 and over in the North West is that their savings will run out.
Meanwhile 30% have run out of money before the end of the month. That's
according to a new survey by Independent Age, the older people's charity, to
launch its new free Moneywise advice guide for older people, their families and
carers.
The survey, which took place after the March 2016 Budget, found that, in the
North West:-
► 16% people aged 65 and over don't expect to have the money needed to pay for
their funeral
► Excluding mortgage debt, 28% of people aged 65 and over are in debt and the
average debt is over £3600, twice as much as the national average of £1800 and
the most in debt region of the UK
► The UK City with the most debt is Manchester, with average debts of over £4000
► 11% people aged 65 and over in the North West have debts of more than £5000
There are 11.4 million people aged 65 and over in the UK, and 1.6 million of
them live in poverty; 900,000 of whom live in severe poverty.
Across Britain, pensioners who are not claiming the benefits they're entitled to
are, on average, missing out on £41 a week or £2,100 a year. Spread across the
year, this is the difference between being able to pay for a typical dual fuel
bill versus struggling to heat their home. In total, £3.7 billion goes unclaimed
for all benefits for older people each year.
In terms of unclaimed financial support for people aged 65 and over, the survey
results show that, in the North West:-
► 39% have never checked to see if they would be eligible for benefits such as
Pension Credit or Council Tax Reduction
► 40% didn't know they could get a 25% discount on Council Tax if they live
alone
The survey also found that 23% of people aged 65 and over do not have any money
saved for unexpected costs, such as repairing a broken boiler or paying for a
dental emergency.
15% of those polled in the North West would be interested in a benefits check to
find out what they are entitled to, but wouldn't know how to do it. Independent
Age runs free benefits checks for anyone aged 65 and over who wants to find out
more about what they might be able to claim.
The survey supports the launch of Independent Age's new Moneywise guide, which
provides practical advice and tips to older people, their families and carers on
how to boost income and save money. The guide covers topics such as how to
reduce bills, housing costs, travel costs, how to boost your income and
understanding Benefits and Taxes.
Lucy Harmer, Director of Services at Independent Age, said:- "These
results clearly show that many older people in the North West are worrying about
their finances and don't always know who to turn to for advice. Topping up your
income becomes much more difficult the older you get, but bills still need to be
paid. However, there is help available. Anyone who needs more information about
how to save money and boost their income should order a copy of our free
Moneywise guide or call our free advice line."
The Independent Age Moneywise leaflet can be ordered for free
online or by calling:- 0800 319 6789.
Free benefits checks can be arranged by calling:- 0800 319 6789.
Independent Age is a charity offering free advice and information. The are a UK
registered charity, number 210729. Independent Age is the operating name
of the Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association. |
