Most people do not realise just how prevalent bowel cancer is (also known as colorectal cancer or colon cancer). More than 2,200 people in Ireland are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year with the incidences of the disease increasing as people get older; the highest being amongst the 55 - 74 year age group.  However, younger people are also affected and should be aware of signs and symptoms and services available.

In order to raise the awareness of the disease, amongst the general public, clinicians inCorkUniversity Hospital (CUH) are holding a free information session in the Main Auditorium, CUH at 2.00pm on Saturday 17^th April 2010. This event is part of Bowel Cancer Awareness month (April 2010) and is supported by the Irish Cancer Society.

Professor Liam Kirwan, Professor of Surgery at CUH and internationally recognised cancer specialist with a particular interest in bowel/colo-rectal cancer said, “Bowel cancer is very common but, unfortunately, most people are not aware of this type of cancer or, they are too embarrassed to talk about it. We are holding this information session to raise the awareness of the condition because, like all cancers, early diagnosis is vital. This is a very treatable form of cancer but it must be detected early.”

A number of clinicians from CUH with expertise in bowel cancer will speak at the free information event and discuss a range of topics including; signs and symptoms, who is affected, where to go for help, what happens after diagnosis and current and future treatments. Speakers include;

• Professor Liam Kirwan, Professor of Surgery -what is bowel cancer?
• Dr Seamus O’ Mahony, Consultant Physician -hereditary colon cancer/family risk;
• Mr. Morgan McCourt; Consultant Surgeon -laparoscopic surgery,
• Dr. Seamus O’Cathail, Radiation Oncologist -radiotherapy treatments;
• Dr. Seamus O’ Reilly, Medical Oncologist - chemotherapy treatments;
• Ms. Anne Murphy, Advanced Nurse Practitioner - colorectal cancer screening;
• Ms. Mary Hannon, Coloproctology Clinical Nurse Specialist - rapid access to clinic
• Ms Marie Grimes, Stomacare Nurse Specialist -stoma services
• Ms. Ann Bowler, Psycho-oncology Liaison Nurse -Psycho-oncology/supports

The Irish Cancer Society will attend and provide information on the day.

Anne Murphy, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, CUH encouraged people to come along to the free information event on Saturday 17^th April, particularly if they have any concerns about their own health or that of a family member or friend and said, “Many people initially feel quite anxious or embarrassed when referred to the clinic for a check-up. Typical comments that we hear from patients in the clinic include; ‘I was too embarrassed to see someone’, ‘I thought it was just piles’, ‘it’s not something that’s easy to talk about’, ‘I should have come earlier’. However, they are quickly put at their ease by the team who extremely professional and who have vast experience of this form of cancer.”  

There are a number of symptoms that people should be aware of and should get checked out by their GP if they have any concerns at all.  Symptoms might include changes in bowel habits i.e. from constipation to diarrhoea, pain or bleeding from the back passage or what might be thought to be piles or haemorrhoids.  People should also be aware if there is a history of bowel cancer or other cancers in their families as they may be more susceptible.

CUH has a specialist clinic to cater for people presenting with symptoms of bowel/colorectal cancer where they receive rapid and easy access to treatment following referral by their GP.  The Colorectal Assessment Clinic has seen a 200% increase in those attending the clinic since it was established in 2000 and has seen in excess of 3,500 patients. The clinic will now form part of the Regional Cancer Centre South at CUH.

See www.cancer.ie for further information on bowel cancer.