Public champions cancer test kits

The volunteers have been trained to give presentations on bowel cancer

Members of the public and cancer survivors have been recruited by a Scottish health board to help raise awareness about bowel cancer.

As part of a national screening programme, self-testing kits are being sent out to all 50 to 74-year-olds.

Rather than have health professionals explain how the tests work, NHS Lanarkshire has trained a network of volunteer cancer "champions".

They will visit local bowling clubs, bingo halls and community centres.

The volunteers will highlight the importance of screening and explain how people can take the test.

Scotland has the highest incidence of bowel cancer in the UK, with the poorest survival rates among those who get the condition.

Men in particular are very bad at screening and my challenge as a 'champion' is to change that Jack Ferguson Volunteer

The disease is the country's second biggest cancer killer - and about 350 people in Lanarkshire are diagnosed with it every year.

NHS Lanarkshire decided on its approach after a focus group flagged up an eagerness for people to learn about bowel cancer from peers, rather than clinicians.

Nine volunteer "champions" have now been trained to deliver the message, with several bowel cancer survivors among them.

Jack Ferguson, one of the cancer "champions" told the BBC Scotland news website: "We all do this because we believe in the difference it can make.

"When I first heard about the screening programme I was thoroughly impressed that taking such a simple test could save a life.

He added: "We find it's easier for us to talk to groups of our peers rather than them just have to listen to a stodgy presentation.

Esther and Jack have been visiting local community groups

"At the bowling clubs I am just one of the boys. Men in particular are very bad at screening and my challenge as a 'champion' is to change that."

Another of the volunteers, Esther Hart, 43, from Coatbridge, was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year and has since received chemotherapy.

She said: "I am a bit young to have bowel cancer. It is very rare in someone my age and that's one of the reasons why I got involved with the screening programme.

"I want to make sure everyone knows that there are early signs and symptoms to look out for and if they get it early enough through testing it will save their lives."