North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has become a Parliamentary Champion for Bowel Cancer UK.
In this role, Mr Isherwood will work with Bowel Cancer UK to explore ways to improve early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care in North Wales.
He will also play a role in raising awareness of bowel cancer and representing the needs of patients in North Wales at the Senedd to help reduce bowel cancer deaths across Wales.
Mr Isherwood said:
“I am extremely pleased to be given this opportunity to help raise awareness and improve early diagnosis of the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.
“Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with over 16,000 people dying from the disease each year, including more than 900 people in Wales.
“However, it doesn’t have to be this way, as nearly everyone will survive if diagnosed at the earliest stage, compared to just one in ten at the latest stage.
“Early diagnosis is crucial for bowel cancer survival, and yet currently only 39% of patients are diagnosed at stages 1 or 2.
“Symptom awareness and ensuring people know when to see their GP are an important part of improving early diagnosis.
“In January 2025, Audit Wales published a report showing bowel cancer patients were waiting far too long for diagnosis.
“Whilst bowel screening has been expanded to thousands of more people across Wales, only 21% of patients were offered a timely colonoscopy if required, far short of the target of 90%.
“Fewer than half of bowel cancer patients start their treatment within the 62 day target, while a quarter of bowel cancer patients are waiting over 106 days to begin treatment for their cancer.
“I look forward to working with Bowel Cancer UK to improve early diagnosis, ensure patients have access to the best treatment and care, and to raise awareness of the importance of taking part in bowel cancer screening.”
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said:
“We are delighted to have Mark as one of our Bowel Cancer UK Parliamentary Champions.
“Mark’s support will be invaluable as we work to make sure that the needs of bowel cancer patients are placed right at the heart of decision making. This will help us achieve our vision of a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer.”