The Government’s first ever national cancer campaign to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer is launched today.

Public awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer is low. But spotting the signs early and getting medical advice could save people’s lives.

Featuring real GPs, the ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ bowel cancer campaign encourages people who have had blood in their poo or loose poo for more than 3 weeks to see their doctor.

The new adverts aim to make people aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer and make it easier for them to discuss this with their GP.

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow said:

No one likes talking about their poo – it’s embarrassing. But bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer so we need to get over the embarrassment and talk to someone about it.
The “Be Clear on Cancer” campaign uses simple messages to make people aware of the key symptoms of bowel cancer and to give them the confidence to talk to their GP if they notice the symptoms.

No matter how embarrassing it is, talking to your GP can help save your life.

The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign

The Be Clear on Cancer campaign adverts will appear on TV, radio, online and in newspapers in England for 9 weeks from today until the end of March.

The campaign was piloted in the South West and East of England in January 2011.  In those areas, GPs saw the number of people over the age of 50 presenting with the relevant symptoms increase by 48% – about one extra patient per practice per week.

Part of the National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative run in partnership with Cancer Research UK, the campaign aims to improve England’s cancer survival rates.

Be Clear on Cancer

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