Wishart highlights Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart has joined Bowel Cancer UK’s #PassItOn campaign this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, April 2025. Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Scotland with over 4,000 people getting it each year.

Symptoms of bowel cancer include:

• Blood in your stool
• A change from your usual bathroom habits
• A pain or lump in your tummy
• Losing weight but unsure why
• Feeling tired all the time without explanation

Bowel cancer is more common in people over 50 years old. 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage.

NHS Inform suggest that lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer such as limiting high amounts of fat and sugar in your diet, avoid processed meat and maintaining a healthy weight, being more active, drinking less and stopping smoking among other advice.

Ms Wishart commented:

“We learn more about different cancers everyday with new treatments and swifter diagnoses.

“Nine in ten people survive bowel cancer when it is diagnosed in the earliest stages so it is important to get tested if invited or seek medical advice if you notice any symptoms such as blood, a change in bathroom habits or a lump or pain in your tummy.”