Rugby legend Phil Bennett helps bowel cancer campaign
Speaking during a feature on the 6pm slot of ITV Wales Tonight, he praised the NHS bowel screening programme and said: “I’ve taken the test myself, and other members of my family have and I’ve found it absolutely outstanding – superb – and you do it in the privacy of your own home. It’s not hard to do, you send it back and the results follow.”
Phil was interviewed for a news story which followed up a press release issue by the Screening Engagement Department, released to promote Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, which is held every April.
Highlighting the fact that the number of people returning the test kits has fallen, the news item also featured Head of Programme, Hayley Heard, and a member of the public, David Glanmor Jones, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer after completing the test, which is sent to all men and women in Wales aged between 60 and 74 every two years.
David, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago, told ITV Wales: “Without a doubt, it saved my life. I urge everyone who gets these kits to do it.”
Alison Clement, Lead Screening Engagement Specialist for Media, commented: “The Team was delighted that ITV Wales carried a report to raise awareness of bowel screening. They also supported us last April when they ran a feature about the bowel screening test, and in January 2011 to promote Cervical Screening Wales.
“To gain high profile television exposure is extremely satisfying, and is an excellent way of raising awareness amongst the general public.”
The Screening Engagement Team also held several promotional stands during the ‘Over 60’ discount days at several B & Q stores throughout Wales during April, together with a mail drop to community organisations and venues.
Alison Clement, Lead Screening Engagement Specialist for Media, commented: “The Team was delighted that ITV Wales carried a report to raise awareness of bowel screening. They also supported us last April when they ran a feature about the bowel screening test, and in January 2011 to promote Cervical Screening Wales.
“To gain high profile television exposure is extremely satisfying, and is an excellent way of raising awareness amongst the general public.”
The Screening Engagement Team also held several promotional stands during the ‘Over 60’ discount days at several B & Q stores throughout Wales during April, together with a mail drop to community organisations and venues.
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