BOWEL Screening Wales have published their first annual report showing uptake of screening has risen slightly in the last year.

In the year ending March 2014, 52.6 per cent and men and women across Wales who were invited for bowel screening sent off their samples for testing. This is compared to 48.2 per cent from last year.

The rise, though encouraging, means only around half of those invited for screening are taking part.

Bowel Screening Wales, part of Public Health Wales, was launched in October 2008 following evidence that screening can help detect bowl cancer early and give the best chance of survival.

If caught early bowel cancer is one of the most treatable cancers.

Screening is a free NHS test which is completed at home, with a test kit being sent out every two years to men and women aged 60 to 74.

Completed test are returned to check for signs of blood which may indicate the presence of cancer.

Public Health Wales wants people regardless of age to visit their GP if you notice blood in your bowel movements, a change in your bowl habit over a number of weeks or unexplained weight loss.

You can reduce your chances of developing bowel cancer by eating a high-fibre diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, taking regular physical exercise and stopping smoking.

The full report is available at http://www.bowelscreening.wales.nhs.uk/statistical-reports

More information is available at www.bowelscreeningwales.wales.nhs.uk.