TAUNTON Deane MP, Rebecca Pow joined a packed audience last week at the Somerset County Cricket Ground to raise awareness and information on bowel cancer.

With 500 new cases of bowel cancer in Somerset each year, the Somerset Bowel Cancer Support Group provides invaluable help for people suffering from this disease.

Their aim is to help sufferers and their families understand their journey through cancer care by providing information and contact with supportive group members.

The Somerset Bowel Cancer Support Group are also raising funds for a ‘SurgiQuest AirSeal’- a device that inflates the abdomen to help in minimally invasive operations which is a much needed tool in 200-300 operations undergone each year in Taunton Deane.

Rebecca said: "There is growing incidence of bowel cancer cases and yet it is still one of the cancers that is little talked about.

"Early screening is very important so that early symptoms can be treated to avoid the full blown condition developing so I urge people to look out for the signs.

"We are extremely fortunate in having a highly professional and dedicated colo-rectal team based at Musgrove Park Hospital who gave their time to host this invaluable event to raise the profile of the disease and to help patients and families of sufferers.

"Somerset Bowel Cancer Support Group are constantly raising funds to aid their work and the AirSeal device will be a welcome addition to the specialist equipment the medical team needs."

Early signs of Bowel Cancer include bleeding, a change in bowel movements as well as the disease being hereditary and it is important to seek medical advice if you are concerned about any of these symptoms.

For more information on the Somerset Bowel Cancer Support Group, visit somersetbowelcancer.org.uk