The event was hosted by John Baron, MP on behalf of the charity which was marking its 25th Anniversary and launching its report 2025 Challenge: Saving and Improving Lives.
Over 100 guests were in attendance at the event including a host of Parliamentarians and supporters of Bowel Cancer UK. Speeches highlighting the need to raise awareness of this disease were given by John Baron MP, Bowel Cancer UK Patient Ambassador, Barbara Moss, Bowel Cancer UK CEO Deborah Alsina and ITV news presenter and Bowel Cancer UK Ambassador Charlene White.
Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, and the overall five-year survival rate of those diagnosed is just over 50% 1. However, in its new report, Bowel Cancer UK states that the Government could cut deaths from bowel cancer by 60% by 2025 if it followed its recommendations. Bowel Cancer UK's ambition is also for an additional 2,500 people with bowel cancer per year living for at least five years after diagnosis by 2025.
Deborah Alsina, CEO, Bowel Cancer UK said: “We want to dramatically improve outcomes for people affected by bowel cancer, minimising the disease’s impact and helping people lead longer, healthier and happier lives.
“We have a duty to save more lives and the proposals outlined in this report should be the Government’s absolute minimum goal.
“We look forward to working with the government, NHS and other charities to help save more lives from the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.”