PUPILS at a school in Brecon had a lot to digest last Thursday as an inflatable giant bowel took up residence in the school’s gym.
Years 9 and 10 at Brecon High School were visited by Cancer Research Wales to learn more about the various types of cancer and how it can be prevented through a healthier lifestyle.
The charity brought along an inflatable walk-through large intestine which showed different bowel-related conditions in comparison to healthy tissue along with information sheets.
The visual interpretation and information inside the bowel includes healthy tissue, polyps, advanced polyps, colorectal cancer, mild colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and ulcerative colitis which is more severe.
Dr Lee Campbell, who is in charge of the Welsh charity’s science projects, said: “We’ve done a few events in schools now – it allows us to get people excited about science from an early age and it also educates them about leading a healthier lifestyle. About 40% of cancers are preventable through living a healthier lifestyle and it’s something which could be a burden on society in a few years’ time. We’re educating them on the use of a bowel cancer screening kit along with a healthy lifestyle by catching them at a young age and doing it in a memorable way.”
The discussion was a part of the school’s fifth annual “skills day” which hosts a mix of PSE, careers and Welsh Baccalaureate activities.
The day also featured displays by the police and army, domestic abuse charity Hafan Cymru, the Teenage Cancer Trust and addiction charity Cais and Careers Wales.
Catherine Huggins, who organised the skills day, said: “The visit by Cancer Research Wales was to raise awareness of bowel cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, and to highlight available fundraising activities.”