A cancer charity is asking Bolton Wanderers fans to ‘remember when…’ to boost bowel cancer early detection rates.

North West Cancer Research’s newest campaign Remember When… has been launched to encourage people to complete and return their home bowel cancer screening kits to help catch signs of the disease early.

And they are specifically asking Boltonians if they remember watching Bolton Wanderers play at Burnden Park and if they do, they say it is time to complete a bowel cancer screening kit.

The campaign shines a spotlight on bowel cancer as the North West’s second biggest cause of cancer deaths, according to latest data, and urges people to look out for their kit when it arrives and to be aware of bowel cancer symptoms.

In England, everyone aged 54 to 74 years old who is registered with a GP is automatically sent a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years.

Individuals use this kit to collect a small sample of poo and send it back to a lab to test for signs of cancer.

The programme is gradually expanding so that those aged 50 to 53 will also be eligible for screening.

However, North West data shows that around a third of eligible people across the region did not return their test kits in 2022/23, with just 66.5 per cent of people aged 60 to 74 years old sending their tests back.

Now, North West Cancer Research is hoping to change this trend through a nostalgia-driven campaign, telling people that if they can remember owning a Walkman or longing for the iconic chopper bike for example, then it could be time to complete their bowel cancer screening kit.

Boltonians between the ages of 54 and 74 are being asked to use the kits and return it as soon as they can.

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Ex-Everton and Republic of Ireland footballer Kevin Sheedy, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer aged 52, is supporting the new campaign.

The former midfielder finished treatment five years ago and is passionate about raising awareness.

Kevin, 64, said: “I started noticing some symptoms such as blood in my poo and going to the toilet more than usual, so I knew I needed to get it checked.

“My initial tests came back all fine, but my GP sent me for further tests to rule things out.

“However, the results showed that there was a tumour, and I needed an operation.

“Being told it was cancer was still a massive shock – you never think you’ll hear that word being directed at yourself so it’s a lot to take in.

“I was one of the lucky ones and didn’t need chemotherapy or a colostomy bag. That’s why early detection is so important and why I would urge anyone who is eligible, to do their test and send it back straightaway – it could well save your life.”

Across the North West, bowel cancer rates are five per cent higher than the rest of the country.

While screening can detect early signs of the disease, experts warn to still look out for key symptoms including persistent blood in poo; a persistent change in going to the toilet such as having to go more or poo becoming runnier; and lower abdominal pain or discomfort.

Dale Vimalachandran, consultant colorectal surgeon at the Countess of Chester, said: “There’s no doubt that early detection of any cancer leads to better outcomes, and this is especially true for bowel cancer.

“A bowel cancer screening kit is easy and hygienic to use and, while some people may feel hesitant about doing it to begin with, it has the potential to save your life.

“Being aware of the signs and symptoms is vital and it’s important to know what’s normal for you and your body.

“Seeing your GP when you notice something that doesn’t seem quite right really can make a huge difference.”

For further information about Remember When… including signs and symptoms, visit: www.nwcr.org/rememberwhen 

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.