A BOWEL cancer survivor is supporting an awareness campaign which she credits with saving her life.

Carol Ratcliffe, from Oswaldtwistle, is supporting the Cancer Research UK campaign which highlights the importance of bowel cancer screening.

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Men and women aged 60-74 are encouraged to take part in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening programme.

Carol, who works as practice manager at Ightenhill Medical Centre, said: “This was the third time I had taken part in bowel screening and I had no symptoms at all, so it was a shock when the results proved abnormal.

“I feel very lucky indeed that my cancer was caught early. The whole process of using the kit was very straightforward and the communication with the NHS was second to none.

“Some people don’t want to know or don’t like the idea of doing the tests, but I would urge them not to feel embarrassed because the kits really do save lives.”

Carol was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2013 after completing a routine kit which arrived in the post.

She was invited for a colonoscopy, a biopsy and a scan. She had surgery a month after diagnosis.

Fortunately, the cancer was contained and Carol did not need further treatment. She will have regular check-ups for the next five years to monitor her progress.

The 69-year-old said that when people receive a kit they should act quickly.

She said: “I know from personal experience that bowel cancer screening really can save lives.

“I hope that people will read my personal story and when they receive the kit they will be encouraged to complete it and send it back.”

The Cancer Research UK advert is designed to help encourage participation.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the north west, said: “Carol is a fantastic ambassador for our awareness campaign which highlights the role of bowel cancer screening in helping to save lives.

“We hope that her experience will help more people to see bowel cancer screening as a normal part of looking after their health. The awareness campaign also emphasises the fact that completing the test is easier than people might think.”