John Baron MP speaks at Beating Bowel Cancer reception

John with Mark Flannagan, Chief Executive of Beating Bowel Cancer

MP congratulates charity and signs pledge

John Baron MP recently spoke at a Parliamentary reception on behalf of Beating Bowel Cancer. Bowel cancer is Britain’s second-biggest cancer killer, with over 41,000 diagnosed with the disease each year. As long as it is caught early, it can be successfully treated in over 90% of cases. At the reception, the charity launched its ‘patient pledge’, which sets out the need for higher standards and better care for bowel cancer patients.

At the reception, John said,

“Early diagnosis is the magic key of cancer – we are pushing the Government hard to introduce further initiatives to encourage this, having already had some success. But the patient experience of their treatment is also important to monitor.”

“Beating Bowel Cancer does great work on behalf of bowel cancer patients and their families. I was pleased to sign their patient pledge, which focuses on experience – it should make a real difference. I urge others to do the same.”

Mark Flannagan, Chief Executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, said,

“We strongly believe that patient experience should be an integral part of the NHS, and it is vital that better care is secured for all bowel cancer patients.”

“We know of many cases where patients simply aren’t getting the level of care they need. We are therefore pleased to launch our Service Pledge as a measure of how hospitals should be providing a good experience to the bowel cancer patients they treat.”

Notes to Editors:

• The attached photograph shows John with Mark Flannagan, Chief Executive of Beating Bowel Cancer.
• For further information, and for details about the patient pledge, please visit www.beatingbowelcancer.org
• About bowel cancer:
  • Bowel Cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer claiming a life every 30 minutes
  • Over 41,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK
  • The majority of people diagnosed with the disease are over the age of 50
  • Bowel cancer is more treatable if spotted and diagnosed early
  • Over 93 per cent of people diagnosed with bowel cancer at an early stage survive for at least five years compared with less than 7% of those diagnosed at a late stage.
  • Beating Bowel Cancer is a leading UK charity for people affected by bowel cancer, dedicated to saving lives by working in partnership to improve public awareness of bowel cancer and to increase the rate of early diagnosis. It helps patients access the treatment they need and provides emotional and practical support to improve the lives of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
  • Specialist Nurse Advisors are on hand to offer support and answer questions and concerns.  A confidential helpline is open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and from 9am to 4pm on Friday: Tel. 08450 719301 (low call rate) or by email: nurse@beatingbowelcancer.org.