Menu
28/06/2004
UCF applaud Coronation Street cancer storyline
The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has praised Coronation Street scriptwriters and researchers for raising the important issue of bowel cancer through Dev Alahan’s diagnosis.
The dramatic development follows Dev’s battle to come to terms with a bowel cancer diagnosis in the run up to his wedding to Maya Sharma.
Naomi Thompson, Cancer Prevention Officer, UCF said: “As with any cancer diagnosis, this new storyline is emotional rollercoaster for Dev, his family and friends.
"The storyline conveys a strong message that bowel cancer can occur at any age. However the key message is that an early diagnosis and treatment leads to a better quality of life."
Early detection is key to treatment of this disease, Ms Thompson said, with possible early symptoms including: a change in bowel habits lasting up to six weeks including diarrhoea or constipation; blood in stools; unexplained weight loss; pain or discomfort; or feeling of not having emptied bowel properly after bowel motion.
“People may feel embarrassed by the symptoms of bowel cancer however GP’s are very sensitive to the needs of the patient - and don’t forget they’ve heard it all before," Ms Thompson added.
"Some symptoms can be caused by a less serious condition, therefore people shouldn’t just wait and hope that the symptoms will disappear but get it checked out as soon as possible."
There are around 1,000 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed and 400 deaths each year in Northern Ireland.
(MB)
The dramatic development follows Dev’s battle to come to terms with a bowel cancer diagnosis in the run up to his wedding to Maya Sharma.
Naomi Thompson, Cancer Prevention Officer, UCF said: “As with any cancer diagnosis, this new storyline is emotional rollercoaster for Dev, his family and friends.
"The storyline conveys a strong message that bowel cancer can occur at any age. However the key message is that an early diagnosis and treatment leads to a better quality of life."
Early detection is key to treatment of this disease, Ms Thompson said, with possible early symptoms including: a change in bowel habits lasting up to six weeks including diarrhoea or constipation; blood in stools; unexplained weight loss; pain or discomfort; or feeling of not having emptied bowel properly after bowel motion.
“People may feel embarrassed by the symptoms of bowel cancer however GP’s are very sensitive to the needs of the patient - and don’t forget they’ve heard it all before," Ms Thompson added.
"Some symptoms can be caused by a less serious condition, therefore people shouldn’t just wait and hope that the symptoms will disappear but get it checked out as soon as possible."
There are around 1,000 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed and 400 deaths each year in Northern Ireland.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 March 2024
Conference Announced To Address Underlying Causes Of Poor Mental Health
A major conference set to take place in Belfast on Thursday, 21 March, will address the underlying causes of poor mental health and achieve better outcomes for people living in Northern Ireland. The issue has been brought into focus by data which show that approximately one in five people in Northern Ireland have a potential mental health problem.
Conference Announced To Address Underlying Causes Of Poor Mental Health
A major conference set to take place in Belfast on Thursday, 21 March, will address the underlying causes of poor mental health and achieve better outcomes for people living in Northern Ireland. The issue has been brought into focus by data which show that approximately one in five people in Northern Ireland have a potential mental health problem.
12 February 2024
Alliance Calls For Urgent Delivery Of Early Learning And Childcare Strategy
The Alliance Party has called on the Minister of Education, Paul Givan, to urgently bring forward a timeline for delivery on the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.
Alliance Calls For Urgent Delivery Of Early Learning And Childcare Strategy
The Alliance Party has called on the Minister of Education, Paul Givan, to urgently bring forward a timeline for delivery on the Early Learning and Childcare Strategy.
16 April 2024
Ministers Commit To Introducing Baby Loss Certificates
The Minister's for Finance and Health have committed to working together to progress the introduction of baby loss certificates for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy before 24 weeks. Under current legislation, the death of a baby is only officially recognised if it occurs after the 24th week of pregnancy.
Ministers Commit To Introducing Baby Loss Certificates
The Minister's for Finance and Health have committed to working together to progress the introduction of baby loss certificates for parents who have lost a baby during pregnancy before 24 weeks. Under current legislation, the death of a baby is only officially recognised if it occurs after the 24th week of pregnancy.
25 March 2024
Four Die In Fatal Collision In Armagh In Early Hours Of 24 March
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a fatal collision in Armagh in the early hours of Sunday, 24 March. A driver and three passengers died when the grey Volkswagen Golf they were travelling in crashed on the Ballynahonemore Road at around 2.10am.
Four Die In Fatal Collision In Armagh In Early Hours Of 24 March
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a fatal collision in Armagh in the early hours of Sunday, 24 March. A driver and three passengers died when the grey Volkswagen Golf they were travelling in crashed on the Ballynahonemore Road at around 2.10am.
12 March 2024
Health Minister Announces New Bereavement Support Website
A new bereavement support website, designed to provide a range of accessible resources for people who are experiencing bereavement, has been launched by Health Minister, Robin Swann. 'Bereaved NI' can be accessed at Bereaved | Bereaved (hscni.
Health Minister Announces New Bereavement Support Website
A new bereavement support website, designed to provide a range of accessible resources for people who are experiencing bereavement, has been launched by Health Minister, Robin Swann. 'Bereaved NI' can be accessed at Bereaved | Bereaved (hscni.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
