AS April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, leading research charity Bowel Cancer UK is urging more people to take part in bowel cancer screening and help save lives.

And Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green is supporting the call.

Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, affecting both men and women. Every year more than41,000 people - one every 15 minutes - are diagnosed with bowel cancer and 16,200 people die of the disease.

Bowel cancer screening can save lives but at the moment in some areas of the UK only a third of those who receive a test complete it. Thousands of people are missing out on the chance to detect bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat.

Ms Green said: “Last year bowel cancer screening uptake rates in Trafford were at 56 percent – below the England average.

“Early diagnosis really can save lives and so I would urge my constituents who are sent a bowel screening test to use it.”

Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “One in 14 men and one in 19 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime but it is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.”

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme can detect bowel cancer at an early stage in people with no symptoms when it is easier to treat.

Since its launch 10 years ago, the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme has been proven to save lives. If you’re registered with a GP and aged 60-74, you will receive a test in the post every two years.

You carry out the simple test at home in private and it comes with step by step instructions.