The Health Promotion department teamed up with several professionals from the GHA, students from the School of Health Studies  and members from Cancer Relief Gibraltar to raise awareness about bowel health and the importance of participating in the GHA  Bowel Health Screening programme.

The bowel is the large intestine (colon and rectum) of the body. It can be the site of polyps and cancers which tend to occur more commonly in older people. Unfortunately, colorectal cancer is common in Gibraltar and is the 3rd leading cause of deaths due to cancer.

People aged 65years and over are routinely invited to participate in the GHA Bowel Screening programme. If you are 65 years or over and have not been contacted, but wish to participate in the programme, please contact Microbiology, Tel: +350 20007173.

To help prevent colon cancer, the Public Health Department advises you to:

• Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily
• Limit your intake of red and processed meats
• Choose whole grain food products
• Try and maintain a healthy weight
• Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity everyday
• Avoid drinking alcohol in excess
• Do not smoke

 

The skin cancer screening day, successfully run for its third year, marked the launch of the annual Sun Awareness campaign. It aimed at raising public awareness on the dangers of overexposure to the sun, and methods of protection that should be taken to prevent this damage. The dermatology department provided clinics to review moles and skin changes which could indicate skin cancer, with 2 consultant dermatologists available on the day to provide further assessment.

The dangers of contracting skin cancer were once again highlighted during the skin cancer screening day at the Primary Care Centre.

The event, now in its fourth year, provided a unique opportunity for the public to have any notable skin changes checked out by the Dermatology team.  Dr Bird and Dr Brown, consultant dermatologists, were flown in especially for the event, providing confirmation of diagnostics made on the day.