Burt Backs Local Calls For More Cancer Screening

2.53.00pm GMT Mon 11th Feb 2008

Local campaigner, Richard Burt is backing Cancer Research UK's campaign for more cancer screening following requests for support from residents with a history of cancer within their own families.

The Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate today joined celebrity newsreaders Jon Snow and Natasha Kaplinsky in calling for government to tackle the postcode lottery for screening provision and to increase the quality and availability of access to screening for the most vulnerable groups.

Mr Burt will write to the Chief Executive of Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, Paul Bates, asking him about the take-up for women attending breast and cervical cancer screening, whether national targets are being met and what initiatives are being taken to increase uptake in screening locally. The West Worcestershire candidate will also ask what plans are in place to meet future needs for radiographers, radiologists and bowel screening colonoscopists for the county.

Richard said: "Thousands of women are alive today thanks to breast and cervical screening, while the new bowel cancer screening programme for men and women has the potential to save thousands more.

"Residents can also support the campaign by signing Cancer Research UK's Screening Matters petition online. Residents should always take advantage of screening when invited, and should encourage friends and family to do the same."