Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to use screening programmes to share information and boost prevention awareness of Bowel Cancer.

The bowel cancer screening leaflet “Your guide to NHS bowel cancer screening” includes information on the symptoms of bowel cancer, with advice to see your general practitioner if you have symptoms, alongside information on the risks of bowel cancer with a link to information on how to lower your risk of bowel cancer. The leaflet is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bowel-cancer-screening-benefits-and-risks

There is also an easy read version at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bowel-cancer-screening-easy-guide

The leaflet is sent to all those who have previously not been invited or participated in screening. The leaflet is linked to through a QR code in the pre-invite letter for those who have previously participated.

In addition, other bowel cancer screening communication, where appropriate, includes the same information and advice in relation to the symptoms of bowel cancer. For example, the results letter people receive stating they do not need any further diagnostic tests reminds people of bowel cancer symptoms.