April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Richard Benyon, Member of Parliament for Newbury, is supporting a call by leading research charity Bowel Cancer UK, urging more people to take part in bowel cancer screening.
According to Bowel Cancer UK, bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, affecting both men and women. Every year over 41,000 people (one every 15 minutes) are diagnosed with bowel cancer and 16,200 people die of the disease.
Bowel cancer screening can save lives but at the moment in some areas of the UK only a third of those who receive a test complete it. Thousands of people are missing out on the chance to detect bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat.
Mr Benyon said, “It is really important that we improve uptake rates for bowel cancer screening, both locally and nationally.
“I would urge my constituents who are sent a bowel screening test to use it. Taking part in bowel cancer screening is the best way to get diagnosed early. If you are over 60, take the test when you receive it in the post. If you are younger, tell the people over 60 in your life to take the test. Early diagnosis really can save lives.”
Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said, “I’d like to thank Mr Benyon for supporting our campaign during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month to raise participation levels for bowel cancer screening.
“One in 14 men and one in 19 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime but it is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.”