Darren Millar, AM for Clwyd West, has pledged to support Cancer Research UK’s new Screening Matters campaign at a reception held at the National Assembly for Wales.
The campaign aims to highlight the importance of the NHS cancer screening programmes for breast and cervical cancer, as well as the new upcoming bowel cancer screening programme to be commenced in October. It also encourages people who are eligible for screening to take up their invitations.
Darren said, ‘I welcome the introduction of bowel cancer screening in Wales which should begin roll out at the end of this year. 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, which has already attracted support from 100,000 people. I am encouraging local people to get involved too by signing their own political and personal pledge at www.cancercampaigns.org.uk.’
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of health information, said, ‘We are very grateful for Darren’s support for our Screening Matters campaign. Screening enables cancer to be detected earlier, and in some cases, prevented. 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 it can reduce the risk of dying from the disease by 16 per cent - or approximately one in six bowel cancer deaths . But it’s important that those invited take part so that maximum benefit is achieved.’