Henry Smith MP has pledged to become a Bowel Cancer Champion and lead change in Parliament for people affected by the disease, at Bowel Cancer UK’s parliamentary reception in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 30th January.

Every 15 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK's fourth most common cancer. It is also the second biggest cancer killer, more than 16,000 people die from the disease every year.

Bowel cancer screening can detect the disease at an early stage in people with no symptoms when it is easier to treat, and with a greater chance of survival. Last year, the Government announced they will lower the bowel cancer screening age from 60 to 50 across England using the potentially more accurate faecal immunochemical test (FIT). Introducing these initiatives will save more lives from this disease.

The Crawley MP will work with Bowel Cancer UK to improve early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care both in Crawley and nationally. By bringing people together, such as patients and families, doctors and nurses, scientists and politicians Bowel Cancer UK will create a future where nobody dies of the disease.

Henry said;

“It simply isn’t acceptable that so many people die from bowel cancer each year. That’s why I’m proud to be working with Bowel Cancer UK and helping them make real change happen through my role as a Bowel Cancer Champion.

“I look forward to using my position in Parliament to call for changes which can improve outcomes for patients with the disease in Crawley. Together we can stop people dying of bowel cancer.”

Asha Kaur, Head of Policy & Campaigns at Bowel Cancer UK, commented;

“I’m delighted that Henry Smith MP has pledged to become a Bowel Cancer Champion. Henry will serve as a valuable ally in helping us to put bowel cancer firmly on the political agenda and campaigning for crucial improvements to services for bowel cancer patients both nationally and in Crawley.”