Annette Brooke Gets All "Tied Up" To Help In The Fight Against Bowel Cancer

12.00.00am GMT Sat 22nd Jan 2005

"I am delighted to be supporting Beating Bowel Cancer's "Loud Tie" campaign which aims to tackle the taboos about the disease"

Beating Bowel Cancer's "Loud Tie" Campaign, Jan 31st - Feb 6th 2005

Annette Brooke MP has pledged her support for Beating Bowel Cancer's fifth "Loud Tie Campaign", running during the week of 31st Jan - 6th Feb 2005. During the week, people are encouraged to have fun with Loud Ties - either by taking part in the Big Tie Up or by wearing load and wacky ties, to increase awareness of bowel cancer, whilst raising funds for 'Beating Bowel Cancer'.

Speaking at the Parliamentary launch of the "Loud Tie" Campaign 2005, Annette Brooke said:

"I am delighted to be supporting Beating Bowel Cancer's "Loud Tie" campaign, which aims to tackle the taboos about the disease and encourage people to talk 'out loud' about symptoms of the disease."

"Bowel cancer is the second biggest killer cancer and there is still so much more to be done to raise awareness of symptoms and available treatments, as well as getting across important message on prevention through a healthier lifestyle."

Dr. Annabel Bentley from BUPA, which also supports the campaign, commented:

"Around 35, 000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK each year. One in 18 of us will develop a form of the disease at some point in our life, yet more than half of us admit either never or only occasionally checking for symptoms. It's a problem in Britain as we're not very good at talking about changes in our bowel habits."

Bowel cancer kills nearly 20,000 people every year, about 2,000 of whom are under 50 years old. Yet, if caught early enough, bowel cancer is one of the most curable cancers and 90% of those affected could be saved. That is why it is so important to have any symptoms, like changes in bowel movements, checked out as soon as possible.