Decision

RESOLVED:

1. That this Council notes that:

a)            Currently in the UK, people aged 50 to 74 years are invited to screening for bowel cancer every two years. The testing is a simple home-based test and helps with early identification. However, according to Bowel Cancer UK, every year more than 2,600 younger people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, many of whom are diagnosed too late. Through their campaign ‘Never Too Young’ they want to raise awareness within the general public and medical professionals on the symptoms of bowel cancer, and that it can affect people under the age of 50.

b)            There is growing concern that bowel cancer among people under 40 is rising, with the UK experiencing one of the fastest increases among affected countries. Projections suggest that by 2030 the number of cases could be double that seen in 2010, with evidence indicating that lifestyle factors may contribute to this trend.

c)             Although rates of early-onset bowel cancer are rising, it remains relatively uncommon, meaning more detailed research and awareness is needed. A community study, led by researchers at King’s College London, PROSPECT-UK and ZOE, is urgently looking to address the issue by recruiting 250,000 participants across the UK. This study, being funded through Cancer Grand Challenges, will contribute to the global PROSPECT interdisciplinary team looking at how diet, lifestyle, daily habits, gut health, and environmental exposures influence risk.

d)            Healthwatch Milton Keynes provides an independent channel through which residents can raise concerns and share experiences of local health services. Any reduction in this service could make it more difficult for residents’ concerns and experiences to be heard.

1. That this Council further notes:

a)            Milton Keynes has a growing and relatively young population, making awareness of early-onset bowel cancer particularly important locally.

b)            The long-term costs to the NHS associated with late diagnosis, and the importance of improving awareness, understanding and early detection.

c)             The Government’s plans to dissolve local Healthwatch organisations at a time when there is strong demand in Milton Keynes for an independent patient voice. Disbanding Healthwatch could weaken local scrutiny and make it harder for residents’ concerns and experiences to inform local health priorities.

1. That this Council resolves to request that the Executive consider:

a)            Contributing to an awareness campaign to promote:

i)               healthy diets and lifestyles, that may help reduce the risk of bowel cancer; and

ii)             information about the signs and symptoms of Bowel Cancer (including for those aged under 40) and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

b)            Promoting Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April 2027.