Charity urges people to "Pump Up The Volume" New campaign warns, “BEING LOUD saves lives – staying quiet could kill”
One of the UK’s most vocal health gurus is speaking up - and speaking out loud! – for a new campaign for 2008 in a bid to help tackle the taboos that still surround one of the UK’s most deadliest diseases – bowel cancer.
Gillian McKeith, famed for her frank, forthright - yet sometimes, lifesaving – advice has become the ambassador for Beating Bowel Cancer’s annual BE LOUD! campaign encourage the public to shun embarrassment and to talk openly their health and specifically any “toilet troubles”.
The best selling author and TV nutritionist, says; “I am often in the position of telling people things that they don’t want to hear about their health. But, it is vitally important for all of us to get to know our bodies so that we can understand what’s right and wrong for us personally and to quickly recognise any abnormal changes.
“So, if you have noticed anything different about your bowel habits, whether you’re experiencing some bleeding from the bottom, persistent change in what is normal, or severe abdominal pain, you must get to a doctor to have these symptoms checked out - don’t be too embarrassed to speak up.
“I hope you’ll join me and BE LOUD! about this common but treatable cancer and help support Beating Bowel Cancer’s essential work.”
Running from 28th January – 3rd February 2008, BE LOUD! encourages the public to make a noise about bowel cancer – whether seeking advice about your own concerns or asking others to take note of this huge health issue.
Affecting over 35,000 people in the UK every year - of whom half will die - the tragedy is that so many of these lives could be saved if people were more aware of the disease’s symptoms, and therefore presented them to their GP earlier. Caught early enough, bowel cancer is very easily treatable, with a successful outcome in 90% of cases.
As a nation, all too often Brits are bashful about “speaking out”. We try our best to avoid confrontation, upsetting people, or awkward and embarrassing situations. But we can pay the price for this Great British reserve – sometimes, with fatal consequences.
Hillary Whittaker, Chief Executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, adds, ‘We are constantly shocked at the low public awareness is of bowel cancer, despite the disease being the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Our BE LOUD! campaign can have a huge impact, as it brings bowel cancer information to the public’s attention, whilst also encouraging people to have fun during BE LOUD! week. We would like to thank all the fundraisers across the country who have planned LOUD events and are shouting out about bowel cancer!’
Get involved in BE LOUD! Week, by WEARING something loud, or DOING something loud, getting sponsored to do so. Funds raised will help Beating Bowel Cancer to raise awareness of, and support, those affected by bowel cancer. For more LOUD ideas, visit www.beatingbowelcancer.org
Other celebrities supporting the 2008 BE LOUD! campaign include footballer and presenter Gavin Peacock, Monty Python actor Terry Jones, England rugby player Lewis Moody and ITV’s This Morning GP, Dr Chris Steele.