Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby Pledges to Help Save Lives From Bowel Cancer at Launch of Bowel Cancer UK’s 25th Anniversary Report.
Mark Pawsey MP pledged his support to help save lives from bowel cancer at Bowel Cancer UK’s recent event in The Houses of Parliament. The event was hosted by John Baron, MP on behalf of the charity which was marking its 25th Anniversary and launching its report 2025 Challenge: Saving and Improving Lives.
Over 100 guests were in attendance at the event including a host of Parliamentarians and supporters of Bowel Cancer UK. Speeches highlighting the need to raise awareness of this disease were given by John Baron MP, Bowel Cancer UK Patient Ambassador, Barbara Moss, Bowel Cancer UK CEO Deborah Alsina and ITV news presenter and Bowel Cancer UK Ambassador Charlene White.
Mark said:
“I am very keen to support the bowel cancer campaign; the disease has affected my own family and I therefore have personal experience of the affects it has on the lives of those who suffer.”
He continued:
“I am supportive of the NHS Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot scheme, which has been piloted at the Hospital of St. Cross in my Constituency. Home testing kits have been sent to local men and women aged between 50-69 years of age to test for early signs of colorectal (bowel) cancer, and so far the response from the public has been extremely positive.”
He concluded:
“By raising awareness of the symptoms, and testing for the early signs of the disease, I hope that more lives can be saved.”
Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, and the overall five-year survival rate of those diagnosed is just over 50% 1. However, in its new report, Bowel Cancer UK states that the Government could cut deaths from bowel cancer by 60% by 2025 if it followed its recommendations. Bowel Cancer UK's ambition is also for an additional 2,500 people with bowel cancer per year living for at least five years after diagnosis by 2025.
About the Bowel Cancer UK ‘2025 Challenge: Saving and Improving Lives’ report:
This report explores the progress over the past 25 years in relation to mortality, survival and patient experience. It celebrates the progress over the last 25 years and identifies the areas where more work is required and establishes realistic goals for improvement by 2025.
Mortality
The past 25 years:
Nearly half a million people in the UK died from bowel cancer in the past 25 years.
Our goal:
An age-standardised mortality rate of 7, meaning 7 people out of a standard population of 100,000 dying from bowel cancer by 2025.
Survival
The past 25 years:
Until recently, the majority of people with bowel cancer had not survived five years after their diagnosis.
Our goal:
An additional 2,500 people with bowel cancer per year living for at least five years after diagnosis by 2025.
Patient experience
The past 25 years:
Overall, cancer patients’ experience of care has improved since 1999, but not in all areas.
Our goal:
All trusts achieving 98% on all key patient experiences measures by 2025.
References in press release:
1. Cancer Research UK, Age-standardised five-year relative survival rate, rectal cancer, by sex, England and Wales.
2.
About Bowel Cancer:
Bowel Cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, affecting both men and women. Every year just over 40,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and more than 16,000 people die of the disease.
About Bowel Cancer UK:
Bowel Cancer UK is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. We are a charity aiming to save lives by raising awareness of bowel cancer, campaigning for best treatment and care, and providing practical support and advice. If you have concerns call the Bowel Cancer Information and Support Service on free phone 0800 8 40 35 40. For more information about bowel cancer, please visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
