Surge in people seeking NHS advice on bowel cancer after George Alagiah’s death
THOUSANDS more people sought advice on bowel cancer screening following the death of TV news presenter George Alagiah, official figures show.
NHS England said that visits to the “bowel cancer screening” page on the NHS website last week saw a 243 per cent increase compared to the week before.
The screening age for bowel cancer test kits was reduced to people in their 50s in 2021 thanks to The Sun’s No Time 2 Lose campaign, spearheaded by Dame Deborah James.
The NHS said there were over 11,000 visits to the page on Monday — the day it was announced Alagiag had died aged 67.
He was first diagnosed with stage four (advanced) bowel cancer in 2014.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, said the presenter’s death “has made many of us reflect on our own health“.
He said: “The news of George Alagiah‘s death has affected thousands across the country who will have watched him on the television.
“These increased visits to NHS England web pages are a positive sign.
“Educating yourself about what symptoms and risk factors there are for bowel cancer is extremely important, as the earlier it is found, the more treatable it is.
“If you have noticed any changes such as blood in your poo, a change in bowel habits or pain and bloating, please do come forward for checks as soon as possible.”
The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are having persistent blood in your poo, an ongoing change in bowel habit and persistent lower tummy pain, bloating or discomfort.
A loss of appetite may also occur, or you may suffer significant, unintentional weight loss.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and leads to around 16,800 deaths every year.
More than nine out of 10 cases of bowel cancer develop in older adults over the age of 50, and nearly six in 10 are in people aged 70 or older.
Dr Lisa Wilde, of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We have seen a spike in the number of people visiting bowelcanceruk.org.uk.
“When George Alagiah was diagnosed in 2014, he spoke openly about the condition and the importance of screening.
“Quite simply, screening could save your life and we would encourage everyone who is eligible to complete the test when they receive it.”