DOCTORS and nurses at Borders General Hospital are all pushing hard to promote a new bowel movement.

Staff at the Melrose hospital are encouraging Borderers to join the promotion that is sweeping Scotland.

Medical experts ranging from doctors and nurses to senior consultants backed the drive to encourage more of us to return their bowel screening tests, as statistics show that we are 14 times more likely to survive bowel cancer if it’s found early.

More than half a million people in Scotland do their bowel screening test every year with a test, which is sent through the post to anyone between 50 and 74.

Although more people are returning their tests than ever before, the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early campaign is targeting those who put it off.

Latest figures show that, on average, 52,100 screening tests are returned in October, which is around1,680 tests per day.

Jonathan Fletcher, consultant gastroenterologist at NHS Borders, said: “Our staff play a key role in increasing the number of Borders residents who complete their tests, ensuring they’re informed before about the test and process.

“While it’s encouraging to see more people doing their test than ever before, there are others who still delay in the area which is why we are supporting the Bowel Movement campaign and urging people not to put off taking the potentially life-saving test.”

The test remains the most effective way to find bowel cancer early as the signs are often hidden.

October, alongside May, sees the highest number of tests returned.

But there are still too many people putting it off.

These individuals are being reminded that they’re not alone this October and are encouraged to do the test when it pops through their letterbox.

Emma Anderson from Bowel Cancer UK added: “In October, around 1,680 bowel screening tests are returned every day in Scotland, but we know that not everyone who receives their test does it.

“Bowel cancer is very treatable, and even curable, if diagnosed at an early stage, so it is important to do your test and not delay when it comes through your letterbox.”