Bowel cancer is Northern Ireland’s second biggest cancer killer. As a liver surgeon, I have considerable experience in operating on patients with bowel cancer, who develop liver metastases (cancer which has spread to the liver). Over 1,100 people are diagnosed in Northern Ireland each year with this disease, of which 400 will die, despite the fact that this cancer is very treatable if caught early. The Bowel Cancer UK charity aims to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected by bowel cancer. All money raised within Northern Ireland is being used locally to help those affected by this type of cancer.
Bernadette McGarry, Health Promotion and Outreach Officer for Bowel Cancer UK in Northern Ireland says: “Without people like Mark doing amazing fundraising events, Bowel Cancer UK couldn’t continue to do the vital work it does to save lives and improve the quality of life for all those affected”.
Despite the prevalence of Bowel cancer in the UK, many people are still unaware of the symptoms. However, major advances in liver surgery have helped to improve survival rates in patients.
We have made significant progress over the last two decades in liver resection for people with colon cancer which has spread to the liver. We need however to continue to research, educate and develop new strategies in the management of bowel cancer. This is why I help raise money for Bowel Cancer UK who have been instrumental in highlighting the disease in Northern Ireland with campaigns to raise awareness for, best treatment, care and providing practical support and advice.
