Bowel Cancer Screening - it saves 2,400 lives each year
We want all of our residents to live long and happy lives. So, we're raising awareness of bowel cancer screening throughout our west Essex communities.
Did you know...
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The test is quick and easy to use
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It's available free to everyone aged 60 to 74 (every two years)
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When it's your turn, it will be automatically sent to your home address
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You complete it at home and return it by post
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It can detect bowel cancer before you experience any symptoms
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The test is called a FIT test which stands for faecal immunochemical test.
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You must be registered with a GP to receive a test
Calling all dads, grandads, uncles, brothers, sons...
We're launching our advertising campaign a week before Father's Day for a very important reason. Our figures are telling us that in west Essex, men are falling behind women when it comes to returning their bowel cancer screening tests.
We want to close this gap and potentially save lives.
Come on men, return your kits
So when you get together this Father's Day or over the summer, make sure you ask your loved ones whether they have a kit laying around at home, and if so encourage them to send it back. And if they've lost it, no problem, simply call the helpline below and we'll send out a replacement.
Bowel Cancer Screening Helpline
Call Free: 0800 707 60 60

Cancer Information
This section provides useful information on cancer screening, spotting early signs and symptoms, as well as information on local and national cancer events and initiatives.
Cancer Support
Learn more about cancer support services available in your local part of west Essex.
Local Directories
We've put all of our local health and support directories into one place. Making it easy for your to access local service information.
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for west Essex
To get your 1st/2nd vaccine or booster:
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Call 119 to book
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Or visit a walk-in centre
Please check eligibility before booking or visiting a walk-in centre
> Cervical screening saves 4,500* lives a year. So, why are women in west Essex missing out?
*It's estimated cervical screening saves 4,500 in England
Source - (NHS Digital - Open Exeter/Public Health England (PHE)
Our mission
Empowering our west Essex communities
With the busy lives we lead, we often forget to look after our own health needs.
My Health Essex, is here to help you do just that, "take care of yourself".
By providing regular updates on health initiatives and services in your area, you’ll be better informed to make the lifestyle choices that are right for you and your family.
And when you, or those you care about, need advice or support, we'll guide you to the correct information.
As well as our regular features, there's a helpful directory of local services and helplines.
It's our mission to support each and every person living in west Essex, to have access to the health services and information they need to support their well-being.