WIGAN and Bolton Health authority has received an extra £108,000 to help fight a killer.

Bolton's share will be £59,500, which will be used to boost early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Brenda O'Driscoll, Director of Commissioning with Wigan and Bolton Health Authority, said: "At present, people seek treatment for this cancer when it's already at an advanced stage.

"Very often it's the social embarrassment factor which prevents them from seeking medical advice, but what we are urging is greater awareness of this cancer and more patient responsibility."

The extra money will go towards the employment of a specialist nurse to work alongside a consultant at the Royal Bolton Hospital and there will be a nurse-led endoscopy examination clinic.

A special imaging machine will be used to detect signs of colorectal cancer and should reduce the waiting time for a diagnosis.

"Early diagnosis in cases of colorectal cancer is very, very important," added Ms O'Driscoll.

"If patients seek treatment early on they have a very good outcome but if it is left and ignored then the cancer spreads from the colon into the stomach and once it goes this far it is very often at a late stage."

Particular warning signs of colorectal cancer are blood when passing motions.

"Colorectal cancer is a problem in the Wigan and Bolton areas, particularly among men," added Ms O'Driscoll.

"There needs to be a greater awareness and willingness to seek medical advice at an early stage."

The North-west region has received almost £1.4 million extra funding, which will be used to accelerate the development of the region's three specialist cancer centres, plus 20 designated colorectal cancer units.

In the North-west, the emphasis is on the appointment of extra staff to strengthen specialist colorectal teams and on reducing waiting times for assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

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