MPs timely bowel cancer screening message targets World Cup fans

Cancer Research UK held an expert briefing on early diagnosis of cancer and bowel cancer screening for MPs in Westminster on June 15th 2010.

MPs heard from experts how a new procedure called a flexi-scope test, could save thousands of lives and the importance of diagnosing cancer early. A recent study which was part-funded by Cancer Research UK has shown that this test could prevent a third of bowel cancers and reduce deaths from bowel cancer by up to half. Cancer Research UK would like to see the introduction of flexi-scope into a national screening programme for bowel cancer.

MPs also met Stephanie Moore MBE, wife of 1966 England World Cup captain, Bobby Moore. Stephanie founded the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK after Bobby died of bowel cancer in 1992.

A number of MPs attended the event, which was the first in a series of briefings being held by Cancer Research UK for MPs in Westminster. MPs had their photograph taken with a brass cast of Bobby Moore’s boot, to highlight the importance of bowel cancer screening through their local media during this World Cup season.

Aisling Burnand, Executive Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said:

“We are very grateful to all of the MPs who came along for supporting our vital work. Cancer screening is a vital part of diagnosing cancer early because it detects cancers which might not yet have caused any signs or symptoms.

MPs have a key role to play in raising awareness of bowel cancer locally and nationally and highlighting the importance of screening programmes to help detect cancer early.”