This blog has been written by FCN’s National Manager (Scotland) Sheena Horner.
Happy Birthday to me?
Birthday, what has that got to do with cancer? Well, read on and you may realise why.
My birthday was in February, and my husband and I went away for a few days to sample some good food and maybe the odd glass of wine while exploring Edinburgh. Not too far away but it was nice to get away for a few nights and switch off from work.
On our return there was a pile of mail behind the door, the usual junk mail, some bills (of course), a few cards and a letter from the NHS. I left it for a couple of days but opened it later in the week and laughed when I did so “happy birthday to me, it’s time to screen for bowel cancer”. So, if you are Scottish, you will all have realised that I had a milestone birthday in February.
Now yes, I did laugh but I also know how important this is and how lucky we are in Scotland that we can get screened every two years from the age of 50 to 74.
It is so straightforward to do, you get the instructions on how to do the test as well as a QR code if you would prefer to watch the video to show you. Aye, I am sure some of you reading this will go, ‘really’ you have to do this yourself? Yes, you do and we are lucky that we are able to do so and have the opportunity to detect bowel cancer early and to do so every two years.
When I got the letter with the kit it actually made me think of listening to a Welsh farming contractor present at FCN’s Wales Parliamentary Reception at the Senedd in January. John Saunders Davies is a huge advocate of screening as he himself has been diagnosed. As he says, what is it with the phobia of doing the test – especially in the rural community; when let’s face it and putting it quite frankly we are all used to dealing with poo!
So, celebrate your birthday and when you receive the kit through the post, celebrate that too. You may not think it, but we are so lucky to be able to get screened every two years and – if we have cancer – to get it detected early; as it does make such a difference the earlier cancer is diagnosed. Let’s celebrate milestones and #NipItInTheBud!
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Together we can and will #NipItInTheBud.
The FCN Scotland team are available to visit your community or business, offering informal chats and presentations to educate people on the signs of cancer, and discuss services and support options.
You can contact the FCN Scotland team directly, via email: sheena@fcn.org.uk
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The Macmillan Support Line is available on 0808 808 00 00, seven days a week, 8am to 8pm.
