Sharon Hodgson MP donned loud and rather un-parliamentary attire this week and pledged to turn up the noise on bowel cancer, in support of Beating Bowel Cancer's BE LOUD! BE CLEAR! campaign.  Bowel cancer is the UK's second biggest cancer killer and the number of lives claimed by the disease in the Gateshead East and Washington West constituency is above the national average[1].  That's why Sharon Hodgson is encouraging local residents to join this fun, light-hearted charity campaign with a serious message.

The BE LOUD! BE CLEAR! campaign, which runs from 26 January to 1 February, urges people to be loud about the disease and improve public awareness by breaking down taboos around bottoms and bowels.   Hundreds of people all over the country are getting involved by dressing up in loud clothes and organising "loud" activities to encourage conversations about bowel cancer and its symptoms, whilst helping raise funds for the charity's vital work at the same time.

Bowel cancer currently claims almost 50 lives everyday in the UK, yet if caught in time, 90% of cases could be treated successfully. Awareness of the disease and its symptoms is vital to ensure bowel cancer is diagnosed early.

Speaking at Beating Bowel Cancer's BE LOUD! BE CLEAR! parliamentary launch event at the House of Commons on Wednesday, Sharon Hodgson said, "I'm delighted to be turning up the noise on bowel cancer and pledging my support to this excellent campaign.  I urge residents to get involved, be as loud as possible and help save lives from this common cancer.  With 1 in 18 of us affected at some point during our lives, that's the equivalent of around 4900[2] people in Gateshead East and Washington West."

Hilary Whittaker, Chief Executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, said "Too few people are aware of just how common this deadly disease is and the symptoms to look out for.  Many of us are too embarrassed to talk about our bottoms and bowel habits, but this lack of awareness is costing thousands of lives every year.  As we launch our Turn up the Noise progress report, calling on the Government to do more to raise awareness, promote screening, as well as improve services and care for bowel cancer patients, we are very grateful to Sharon Hodgson for her support."

Those interested in taking part in BE LOUD! BE CLEAR! should visit www.beatingbowelcancer.org for plenty of loud, wacky fundraising ideas or to download fundraising materials such as posters, flyers and sponsorship forms. Alternatively call Beating Bowel Cancer on 08450 719300.

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Sharon Hodgson MP
House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA

E-mail: hodgsons@parliament.uk

Constituency Office Tel. 0191 469 7844