MP Annette Brooke Gets "Tied Up" to Help in the Fight Against Bowel Cancer

6.00.00pm GMT Thu 22nd Jan 2004

Lib Dem MPs supporting Beat Bowel Cancer's "Loud Tie" Campaign

Beating Bowel Cancer's "Loud Tie" Campaign, January 26th- 30th 2004

Annette Brooke MP has pledged her support for Beating Bowel Cancer's fifth "Loud Tie Campaign", running during the week of 26th- 30th January 2004. 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 2004, Annette Brooke said:

Annette Brooke and fellow Lib Dem MPs "Tied Up" for Beating Bowel Cancer Campaign

"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.

Celebrity supporters of the Loud Tie campaign include Gabi Roslin and Matthew Wright whose families have both been affected by bowel cancer