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Lifelong Rangers supporter Campbell Forsyth from Cambuslang is the latest in a growing group of fans sharing their stories in support of the Foundation’s partnership with Bowel Cancer UK to raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms and the importance of taking part in bowel cancer screening.  

Campbell’s father Douglas was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006, while Campbell was studying for his final university exams. Thankfully, he made a full recovery thanks to early diagnosis and both Campbell and Douglas are keen to spread the word about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer to help others. They also organised a fundraiser that raised more than £4,000 for a scanner to improve early diagnosis at the Forth Valley Hospital.

Campbell commented: “It was a really difficult time when my dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer and when he was in hospital after his surgery, particularly as I was in my final year at university. You just don’t know what to expect each and every day.

“I’m lucky that my dad found it early and is still with us, not everyone is as lucky.”

“It’s so important that we speak about bowel cancer, that’s why my dad and I decided to share our story – anything that can be done to minimise the impact on families by improving early diagnosis is really important. Check for signs all the time!

“My dad saw his first Rangers match back in 1954 and mine was 1991. Being a Rangers fan is a family tradition and a way of life. That’s why this partnership with Bowel Cancer UK is so important, given the impact Rangers has on a lot of people’s lives; it’s a brilliant way to raise awareness.  

“Being at Ibrox recently and seeing posters about Bowel Cancer UK, it was great to hear more people talking about the issue as it’s always better to talk than to suffer in silence.”

Bowel Cancer UK’s research shows that nearly half of people (47%) in Scotland can’t name a single symptom of bowel cancer – Scotland’s second biggest cancer killer. Knowing the red flag symptoms and contacting your GP if you have any of them can help increase the chances of an early diagnosis, when the disease is easier to treat.

The symptoms of bowel cancer can include bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo, a persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness for no obvious reason, and a pain or lump in your tummy. Most people with these symptoms don’t have bowel cancer, but if you have one or more of these, or if things just don’t feel right, contact your GP.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, affecting both men and women. Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer. That’s nearly 43,000 people every year, nearly 120 people every day. Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.

Bowel Cancer UK wants to hear from the Rangers Family – whether you’re a fan, player, staff or a member of the community. The charity wants to bring the varied people affected by bowel cancer together, to shine a light on their stories and experiences. If you’ve been affected by bowel cancer and you’re a Rangers fan, you can share your story HERE.