Thousands of people in the North West have been sent a home testing kit which can detect early signs of bowel cancer.

A new NHS campaign is urging people to make use of these.

People who get an early diagnosis are nine times more likely to survive.

In the North West 68.3 per cent of 60 to 74 year olds were screened within six months of receiving their invite in 2021/22 which is below the national average of 70.3 per cent.

The figure means more than a third of people did not return their test kits completed.

The NHS posts more than half a million free kits to homes each month.

People aged 60 to 74 are automatically entitled to one every two years.

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Dr Michael Gregory, Medical Director at NHS England - North West said: “The Fit Kit is a vital part of our screening programme, and one of the best ways we can detect bowel cancer early, when it is more treatable.

“We know that there can be some hesitancy, and some people are prudish about poo, but the home testing kit means that eligible people can quickly complete the test in the privacy of their own homes.

“If caught at an early stage, bowel cancer is much more manageable, so I’d urge anyone who has received their Fit Kit to put it by the loo, and don’t put it off.”