Kirsty Williams AM supports SCREENING MATTERS

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 18th Apr 2008

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire has pledged to support Cancer Research UK's new Screening Matters campaign at a reception held at the National Assembly for Wales on 15th April.

The campaign aims to highlight the importance of the NHS cancer screening programmes for breast and cervical cancer, as well as the upcoming bowel cancer screening programme. It also encourages people who are eligible for screening to take up their invitations.

Kirsty Said, "I welcome the introduction of bowel cancer screening in Wales which is due to be rolled out at the end of this year. It has been demonstrated that screening really is effective and saves lives, but members of the public need to be aware of the programme and take part in it. It is therefore essential that the Welsh Assembly Government implements an effective and widespread campaign to raise public awareness.

"I have pledged my support to Cancer Research UK's Screening Matters campaign, and I hop local people will get involved 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 Kirsty'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."

The Screening Matters campaign highlights the particular areas where Cancer Research UK would like the Welsh Assembly Government to take most urgent action on, seeking commitments to:

Screen at least 200,000 more people in Wales over the next five years.

Reduce the variation in screening across the UK.

Reach out to people eligible for screening who aren't taking part.

Provide the best possible screening programmes through funding, staffing and measuring success."

Screening Matters is a new campaign co-ordinated by Cancer Research UK in partnership with Beating Bowel Cancer, the Bobby Moore Fund, Bowel Cancer UK, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Campaign, Breast Cancer Care and Jo's Trust.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Tom Bourton in the Cancer Research UK press office on or the duty press officer on 07050 264 059.

Notes to Editors:

About Cancer Research UK

Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.

Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.

Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.

Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.

Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7009 8820 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.