Martin, a Bowel Cancer Champion for Bowel Cancer UK, has pledged to support vital improvements to the screening programme, at the charity’s parliamentary reception at the House of Commons on Wednesday 30 January.
Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK's fourth most common cancer. It's also the second biggest cancer killer, more than 16,000 people die from the disease every year.
Bowel cancer screening can detect the disease at an early stage in people with no symptoms when it is easier to treat and a greater chance of survival. Last year, governments in England and Wales announced they will lower the bowel cancer screening age from 60 to 50 using the potentially more accurate faecal immunochemical test (FIT). Introducing these initiatives will save more lives from this disease.
Martin will work with Bowel Cancer UK to improve early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care both in Cleethorpes and nationally. By bringing people together, such as patients and families, doctors and nurses, scientists and politicians Bowel Cancer UK will create a future where nobody dies of the disease.
Martin said: “It simply isn’t acceptable that so many people die from bowel cancer each year. Bowel Cancer UK’s Parliamentary Reception was a great opportunity to highlight the importance of implementing key screening initiatives, like lowering the screening age to 50. That’s why I’m proud to represent the charity as a Bowel Cancer Champion to make real change happen for patients. I’ll continue to use my position as an MP to call for changes which can improve outcomes for patients with the disease in Cleethorpes. Together we can stop people dying of bowel cancer.”
Asha Kaur, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “I’m delighted that Martin attended our parliamentary reception as part of their role as Bowel Cancer Champion. Martin serves as a valuable ally in helping us to put bowel cancer firmly on the political agenda and campaigning for crucial improvements to services for bowel cancer patients both nationally and in Cleethorpes.”
