THOUSANDS of bowel cancer screening kits have been sent to residents in a bid to save lives.
Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death with more than 16,000 people dying from it each year.
More than 5,000 kits have already been sent out and most Kirklees and Calderdale residents between 60 and 69-years-old will receive a free kit over the next couple of years.
Kathryn Aldous, the screening centre manager, said: “People will have started receiving the letters and kits and the important message is please use them.
“Residents aged over 70 also have the option of opting into the screening programme and we have already received almost 100 calls from people who want to do this.”
The tests are carried out at home and returned in a hygienically sealed pre-paid envelope.
They are then sent to a laboratory in Gateshead and results will usually be returned in about two weeks.
Anyone with an abnormal result will be invited for further tests.
Symptoms of bowel cancer can include, change of bowel habit, weight loss, blood in stools, tiredness and anaemia.
Anyone, of any age, who has symptoms should contact their GP immediately.
Those aged over 70 can self-refer by calling 0800 7076060.
