Screening Matters - 3rd Mar, 2008

Sian James MP attended the Cancer Research UK's Screening matters campaign launch in Parliament

The campaign aims to highlight the importance of the NHS cancer screenings programmes for breast and cervical cancer, as well as the upcoming bowel cancer screening initiative.

Cancer Research UK also spoke to the Swansea East MP about the importance of access to information.

Sian James MP said: “I welcome the introduction of bowel cancer screening which should be completed in 2009 in Wales. Studies have demonstrated that screening is effective and really does save lives but we could save even more. So, it’s essential that this goes hand-in-hand with effective public information to raise people’s awareness of the programme and how important it is that they take part.

“I have pledged my support to Cancer Research UK’s Screening Matters campaign, where over 100,000 people have signed up to so far. I am encouraging local people to get involved too by signing their own pledge at www.cancercampaigns.org.uk.”

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s Director of Health Information, said: “We are very grateful for Sian's support for our Screening Matters campaign. Screening enables cancer to be detected earlier or even prevented from developing. This is crucial because the earlier a cancer is detected, the better a person’s chance of survival.”

“We welcome the introduction of the bowel screening programme as screening for bowel cancer can reduce the risk of cancer mortality by 16 per cent, or approximately one in six bowel cancer deaths. As the bowel cancer screening programme is rolled out, it is vital that people aged 60-69 are more aware they are able to access this type of screening.”

The Screening Matters campaign highlights the particular areas where Cancer Research UK would like the Government to take most urgent action on, seeking commitments to:

1. Screen at least three million more people over the next five years.
2. Reduce the variation in screening across the UK.
3. Reach out to people eligible for screening who aren’t taking part.
4. Provide the best possible screening programmes through funding, staffing and measuring success.”

Screening Matters is a new campaign co-ordinated by Cancer Research UK in partnership with Beating Bowel Cancer, the Bobby Moore Fund, Bowel Cancer UK, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Campaign, Breast Cancer Care and Jo’s Trust.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Cancer Research UK’s Public Affairs Officer Tracey Loftis on 020 7061 8524 or tracey.loftis@cancer.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

Breast screening
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in the UK.
• In Wales, 2,371 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2003

Cervical screening
• Saves over 1000 lives in the UK each year
• Approximately 220,000 women in Wales have attended a cervical screen in 2003.

Bowel cancer screening
• Bowel cancer causes almost 16,100 deaths in the UK each year.
• Cancer screening for both men and women aged 60 to 69, will be launched in Wales in 2009

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 08701 602040 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk