Annette Brooke MP backs annual Loud Tie Campaign; 30th January to 5th February 2006

6.14.07pm GMT Wed 25th Jan 2006

Beating Bowel Cancer's "Loud Tie Campaign" aims to get people talking about their bottoms to help prevent bowel cancer

Annette Brooke MP today pledged her support for Beating Bowel Cancer's annual Loud Tie Campaign (30th January to 5th February 2006) by taking part in an innovative, new way of fundraising - donating via SMS.

The Loud Tie Campaign urges people across Britain not to be tongue-tied about bowel cancer, to wear loud and wacky ties during Loud Tie week, and get sponsored for doing so. The charity hopes that the general public will get behind this year's campaign by sending an SMS message "LOUDTIE" to 83338 to make a £1.50 donation* to the cause.

Speaking at the Parliamentary Launch Event held in the Houses of Parliament last night, Mrs Brooke said, "I am delighted to be supporting the Loud Tie campaign, which raises important funds for the charity, increases awareness of the disease and elevates the key issues surrounding bowel cancer. I would like to congratulate Beating Bowel Cancer on the launch of the campaign at the Houses of Parliament and wish them every success. Furthermore, I would urge my constituents to join in, dig out their loudest ties or neckwear and not be tongue-tied to talk about bowel cancer!"

Beating Bowel Cancer's Chief Executive, Hilary Whittaker, added: "As well as the important fundraising that takes place during Loud Tie Week, through events and this year our new SMS fundraising initiative, the campaign also aims to increase the profile of bowel cancer, which is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Almost 50 people die every day from the disease, and it will affect 1 in 18 people during their lifetime, yet awareness is still very low and we have much work to do to educate and inform the nation about symptoms, prevention and treatment."

Those interested in taking part can order a fundraising pack from Beating Bowel Cancer on 020 8892 5256, download all materials from www.beatingbowelcancer.org or make a £1.50 donation* by sending a text with the words LOUDTIE to 83338.

ENDS

Notes to Editors -

2. TAKING PART IN LOUD TIE 2006

There are a number of ways to support the campaign:

· Run a Loud Tie event - download fundraising materials at www.beatingbowelcancer.org

· Make a quick and easy donation by texting "LOUDTIE" to 83338 (*texts cost £1.50 of which 90p will go to Beating Bowel Cancer - visit www.beatingbowelcancer.org for full list of Terms and Conditions).

· Purchase one of the charity's funky "Bottom" phone charms (which come in a choice of six colours, cost just £3.50 each (including p&p) and can be ordered by calling the charity on 020 8892 5256.

3. Beating Bowel Cancer was set up in 1999 and exists to raise awareness of symptoms, promote early diagnosis and encourage open access to treatment choice for those affected by bowel cancer. For more information on the charity, and bowel cancer, visit www.beatingbowelcancer.org, call 020 8892 5256 or write to Beating Bowel Cancer, 39 Crown Road, Twickenham, TW1 3EJ. Registered charity no.1063614.

4. The Parliamentary Reception for Loud Tie 2006 was supported by Roche Products Ltd.

5. BOWEL CANCER - THE FACTS:

Statistics on bowel cancer

· Bowel cancer is a disease of the large bowel (colon) or rectum. It is also sometimes called colorectal or colon cancer.

· It is the second largest cause of cancer deaths in the UK.

· Almost 50 people die every single day from bowel cancer

· Every seven days bowel cancer claims 322 lives - that is like a jumbo jet crashing every week.

· In 2004 there were 34,300 new cases of bowel cancer in the UK. In 2003 there were 16,107 deaths from bowel cancer in the UK.

· Around one in 20 people will get bowel cancer at some point in their life.

· It affects men and women equally.

What causes bowel cancer?

· Experts do not know precisely what causes most bowel cancers, and in many cases there are no obvious causes.

· We think that diet, lifestyle and family history are the three things most likely to affect a persons chances of developing bowel cancer.

· Your risk of bowel cancer increases with age but it does affect younger people (10% of people dying from bowel cancer are under the age of 50).

How can you improve your lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer?

· Eat a healthy diet. This means eating lots of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain foods and fish, and less fat, red and processed meat.

· Take regular exercise and try to keep a healthy weight.

· Stop smoking.

· Cut back on alcohol.

· Know your body and how it usually functions so that you recognise changes in your bowel habits.

What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?

Not everyone will have symptoms and the symptoms may vary. The most common symptoms to look out for are:

· A persistent change in bowel habit especially going more often or looser for several weeks.

· Bleeding from the bottom without any obvious reason.

· Abdominal pain, especially if severe.

· A lump in your tummy.

Please remember that most of these symptoms will not be cancer. If you have one or more of these symptoms for more than four to six weeks you should go and see your GP.