New figures have revealed that almost a third of people are not completing bowel cancer screenings in the Grampian region.
Research carried out by charity, Bowel Cancer UK, indicates only 62% are completing the free test, which is delivered by post.
That means almost 40% of residents are potentially missing the opportunity for an early diagnosis at a more treatable stage.
Grampian has the third highest uptake in Scotland behind Shetland and Borders, but many people are still not doing their tests.
Emma Anderson, Head of Scotland for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “It’s quite simple, the screening saves lives.
“It has been predicted that, even using the current test, the screening programme will save over 2,000 lives every year by 2025.
“I would encourage everyone who is over 50 to take the test, and for those who are younger to encourage their loved ones over 50 to complete it. It could save your or your loved one’s life.”
April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and the charity confirmed that, in Scotland alone, over 300 people will be diagnosed with the disease and 130 will die from it this month.
The charity is looking to host talks at workplaces and community groups in a bid to raise awareness among people about the importance of bowel cancer screening and doing a test.
If you are interested in staging such an event at your workplace, community group or any other location, visit
bowelcanceruk.org.uk/bookatalk
or email scotadmin@bowelcanceruk.org
To find out more about bowel cancer and screening, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk
