Alex Cunningham has pledged to take action, both in his Stockton North constituency and in Parliament, to help stop bowel cancer, following an event held by leading charity Bowel Cancer UK.
Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, affecting both men and women. Every year over 41,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer – which is one diagnosis every 15 minutes – and more than 16,000 people die of the disease.
Bowel Cancer UK supports research and campaigns to stop bowel cancer. Currently there are huge variations in the availability and quality of diagnostic testing, treatment and care. The charity’s Parliamentary Reception aimed to raise awareness of the disease and the importance of developing a world class, consistent service across the UK.
Alex said:
“As the local MP, I am totally committed to improving outcomes for bowel cancer patients both locally and nationally. There are still too many people dying from bowel cancer when we know that it is preventable, treatable and curable if it is diagnosed early.
“That’s why I’m backing Bowel Cancer UK’s call to improve bowel cancer services and support their aspiration to transform survival rates from one-in-two surviving bowel cancer for five years to three-in-four surviving by 2025.
“I would urge anyone worried about symptoms to see their GP if they think they might be caused by bowel cancer, and to use a bowel screening kit if you are sent one. Early diagnosis really can save lives.”
Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer with survival rates being one of the lowest in Europe. As a charity, we are determined to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer. But we can’t do it on our own. The support of people such as Alex is vital to helping us make a difference. Together we can save lives.”
