Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies is supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s campaign to urge more people to take part in bowel cancer screening and save lives, as part of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April. More than 900 people die from bowel cancer in Wales every year, it’s the country’s second biggest cancer killer. However, it shouldn’t be. It’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

Bowel cancer screening can save lives but at the moment in some areas of Wales only a half of those who receive a test complete it. Thousands of people are missing out on the chance to detect bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat.

Mr Davies said, “Taking part in bowel cancer screening is the best way to get diagnosed early and I encourage everyone over 60 living in Pembrokeshire to take the test when you receive it in the post. I really can’t stress how important an early diagnosis is – catching bowel cancer early means the disease can give you a far better chance of survival.”

Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said, “I’d like to thank Paul for supporting our campaign during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month to raise participation levels for bowel cancer screening. In Wales, one in 13 men and one in 18 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime but it is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.”

The Bowel Screening Wales Programme can detect bowel cancer at an early stage in people with no symptoms when it is easier to treat. If you’re registered with a GP and aged 60-74, you will receive a test in the post every two years. You carry out the simple test at home in private and it comes with step by step instructions. The test looks for hidden blood in your poo, which could be an early sign of bowel cancer.

Visit Bowel Cancer UK’s website to find out how you can get involved in their campaign for Bowel Cancer Awareness Month: bowelcanceruk.org.uk.