Dear All, 

 

I have decided to enter the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 9th October 2011, with only 10 more weeks left to train. I will be running in memory of my uncle Nicholas and to raise awareness for Bowel Cancer UK.

 

As some of you may know, my uncle Nicholas died of bowel cancer in November 2009 after being diagnosed at the age of 61. However, it subsequently transpired that he had lived with the disease for very nearly a year before deciding to consult a doctor about his symptoms. When it was confirmed he had bowel cancer, he also discovered that it had already spread to his liver. He bravely fought the illness for about 18 months before passing away. If he had taken professional advice sooner, he would probably still be alive. This is why I want to raise awareness of how important it is too seek medical help as soon as you suspect abnormal bowel symptoms. 

Early diagnosis of bowel cancer in the UK is a problem because people either find it uncomfortable to discuss the symptoms of the disease, or simply do not know what they are.

Survival rates in the UK are amongst the lowest in Europe, with 15% more patients being diagnosed at a later stage of the disease compared with most other European countries.

This is why Bowel Cancer UK’s work – to encourage people to recognise the symptoms of the disease and to act on their concerns so that they have the best chance of survival – is so important.

 

Bowel Cancer Facts:

• Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK
• Over 16,250 people in the UK die of this disease every year
• 95% of all diagnoses are in people over 50
• If diagnosed at the earliest stage, bowel cancer is highly treatable, with a survival rate of more than 90% over 5 years

 

For more information on Bowel Cancer UK please visit www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk 

 

I know that many of you are inundated with sponsorship requests, but I would be so grateful for your support and any donations, however small. If you would like to sponsor me please go to www.justgiving.com/KatherineRegan1

 

Thank you and lots of love,

 

Katherine