Published on 22 August 2023
People in Liverpool are being asked to be aware of their bowels in a series of roadshows helped by the fund set up by Bowel Babe cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James.
Bowel Cancer UK is bringing its huge, inflatable bowel display to the roadshows – which people can walk through and become more aware of the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.
The 19ft by 7ft inflatable is an interactive experience to demonstrate the various stages of bowel cancer, and raise awareness of its symptoms, the importance of taking part in screening and learn about good bowel health.
It’s also a chance for people to ask any questions or share any worries about bowel cancer, whether about themselves, a loved one or friend, to one of Bowel Cancer UK’s friendly and experienced staff and volunteers.
People can visit the roadshows on:
- Tuesday 5th September, 10am-4pm, at Asda Walton (Utting Avenue, L4 9XU)
- Wednesday 6th September, 10am-4pm, at Belle Vale Shopping Centre (L25 2RF)
- Thursday 7th September, 10am-4pm, at Liverpool Shopping Park, Edge Lane (L13 1EW)
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re really looking forward to talking to lots of people in Liverpool about the disease, its symptoms, the importance of taking part in bowel cancer screening and how people can reduce their risk of developing bowel cancer.
“We know that awareness of bowel cancer in Liverpool is quite low with nearly a fifth of Liverpudlians (17%) unaware of any of the symptoms of the disease. We hope our giant inflatable bowel is a fun way to break the ice and start having those lifesaving conversations.
“We’re here to welcome everyone to a tour of the giant inflatable bowel, answer any questions you have about your bowel health, and signpost you for further support. No appointment necessary. See you inside!”
Dr Chris Warburton, Medical Director of Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, welcomed the initiative to raise awareness of the disease across Liverpool, a city with a high incidence of bowel cancer.
He said: "It is really important that people know the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer so that they can come forward as early as possible when treatment is easier and more successful.
“The bowel screening kit is a way for the NHS to detect possible cancers before any symptoms arise and it is vital that people complete the test when it is sent to them – I did mine this year when I received it.
“Screening uptake in the North West is one of the lowest in the country and yet incidence of bowel cancer is one of the highest. Hopefully, initiatives such as this by Bowel Cancer UK can encourage more people to take part in screening, which can save lives.”
The roadshows are supported by the BowelBabe Fund, established by Dame Deborah who died last year of bowel cancer, which finances clinical trials, research, cancer information and awareness, as well as other initiatives to combat the disease and support those affected by it.