AN event to raise awareness of one of the most treatable forms of cancer has taken in Welwyn Hatfield. Bowel Cancer UK workers handed out leaflets and fielded questions from the public at the Howard Centre, in WGC, yesterday (Thursday). The roadshow, whic

AN event to raise awareness of one of the most treatable forms of cancer has taken in Welwyn Hatfield.

Bowel Cancer UK workers handed out leaflets and fielded questions from the public at the Howard Centre, in WGC, yesterday (Thursday).

The roadshow, which was supported by pharmaceutical giant Roche, coincided with the charity's Check It campaign, which aims to promote bowel cancer screening and prevention.

Those who attended were also told how to check for symptoms of the disease, which is the third most common cancer in the UK.

Ian Beaumont, director of communications for Bowel Cancer UK, said: "One in 20 people get bowel cancer in their lifetimes across the UK.

"In terms of Welwyn Hatfield specifically, 58 people get bowel cancer and 28 people die from the disease every year."

Using the Howard Centre as an example, he added: "On the basis that 25,000 people on average visit the centre every day, 1,250 of those will get bowel cancer in their lifetime."

But he stressed: "It is incredibly treatable if caught early."

For more information, go to www.checkit.org.uk