South Down NI21 MLA John McCallister attended Cancer Research UK’s parliamentary reception to give his backing to the charity’s latest campaign to beat cancer sooner.
Mr McCallister is teaming up with Cancer Research UK to encourage support for early diagnosis and awareness in cancer.
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South Dowm MLA JohnMcCallister, right with Jim Wells MLA backing Cancer Research NI.[/caption]
He said: “When cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is often simpler and more likely to be effective. I wholeheartedly back Cancer Research UK’s call for greater support to help early diagnosis of cancer. Early detection saves lives”.
Cancer survival rates have doubled over the last forty years and that is partly because doctors have become much better at spotting the disease early. Most deaths from cancer are caused when it spreads around the body, so spotting cancer early, before it has had time to spread – is a real opportunity to giver thousands of people more tomorrows.
Mr McCallister added: “I would urge everyone to be body aware… if something doesn’t feel right or you develop symptoms, please make that call and go to visit your GP. Some people understandably feel embarrassed to chat about certain symptoms or to have various examinations done, but if it saves your life then it is vitally important to make that appointment.
“More and more high profile figures and celebrities are talking about cancer and raising awareness which I think is great – anything that ensures more men, women and children survive this disease has to be welcomed.”
Margaret Carr, Cancer Research UK’s Research Engagement Manager in Belfast, said: “We have helped develop, test and improve the screening techniques for the breast, cervical and bowel cancer National Screening Programmes. Spotting cancer early maximises your chances of successful treatment – that’s why we are doing everything we can to ensure that more people are diagnosed earlier.”
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