John Baron

Conservative Party | Billericay and District

John Baron MP highlights poor take up of bowel cancer screening in Billericay

28 January 2010

MP says 58% is not good enough

John Baron MP recently met with representatives from Beating Bowel Cancer, at their annual BE LOUD BE CLEAR reception in Parliament. Bowel cancer is the UK's second biggest cancer killer. Of the 100 people diagnosed with bowel cancer every day almost half will die from the condition.

Yet over 90% of cases can be treated successfully if diagnosed early enough. Ensuring that people take part in the NHS bowel cancer screening programme is therefore essential in improving outcomes for bowl cancer patients.

All people aged 60-69 in England are invited for screening every two years through the NHS bowel cancer screening programme. Yet government figures show in Billericay only 58% of people have taken part in the screening since it was made available. Department of Health data on bowel cancer screening

John said:

"8 out of every 10 people who die from bowel cancer could have been saved if diagnosed early enough. This is why I'm highlighting the importance of screening and the fact only 58% of local people have taken part in screening since it was made available."

"We must get over our apathy or embarrassment about this issue. Your life may depend on it."

Hilary Whittaker, chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer said:

"We are delighted that John Baron MP is supporting Beating Bowel Cancer's call to action on screening. We know lives could be saved if participation in screening increased.