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UCF Response to Bowel Cancer Study
By Derval Keenan, 7/26/2005 3:03:05 PM
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The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF), today responded to the major study carried out by the European Perspective Investigation into Cancer, which has found fresh evidence of a link between red and processed meat and bowel cancer.
Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive of UCF said, ?“The study shows overwhelming evidence that diet plays an important role in the prevention of cancer. Our Against Bowel Cancer campaign, which ran during the month of April, reinforced this message by urging people to eat a diet rich in fibre, fruit and vegetables, to reduce the amount of fat and processed meat eaten, take regular exercise and maintain a healthy body weight.?”
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Northern Ireland. It mainly occurs in the over 50s, affecting both men and women, with around 1,000 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed each year and approximately 400 deaths.
However, bowel cancer can best be treated if diagnosed early and the leading cancer charity again renewed their call for the Health Minister to announce a programme of screening for bowel cancer in Northern Ireland. This will enable early detection and the most timely treatment for bowel cancer patients.
£39m has already been invested in England and Wales to facilitate bowel cancer screening from 2008. No similar screening programme has been put in place for Northern Ireland. ?“We don?’t want to see Northern Ireland lagging behind when it comes to introducing screening programmes,?” says Arlene Spiers. ?“An effective screening programme can reduce the number of people dying from cancer and this is clearly evident in the case of cervical screening. In Northern Ireland where cervical screening is available to women between the ages of 20 ?– 59, there has been a 2% reduction in the number of deaths per year. In comparison in the Republic of Ireland where no effective national screening programme is in place, the death rate continues to rise by 1.5% per year.?”
The Ulster Cancer Foundation has also established the first Colorectal Support Group in Northern Ireland for people who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer. The initial meeting of the group will take place at the Malone Lodge Hotel on Wednesday 22nd June. If you would like to attend please register in advance by contacting Eileen Creery, Care Services Co-ordinator at UCF, Tel. 028 9049 2007.
If you have any concerns about bowel cancer or any other forms of cancer please contact UCF?’s confidential Freephone Cancer Helpline on 0800 783 3339.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Pauline Wylie or Derval Keenan, UCF
Tel: 028 9049 2007
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