AHEAD of world cancer day tomorrow, West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne, who is co-chairman of MEP’s Against Cancer in the European Parliament, has highlighted an EU report showing the need for dramatic improvements in cancer screening, both in the UK and the rest of Europe.

A report on cancer screening in Europe, published by the European Commission in December, makes depressing reading for those involved in tackling the disease and shows that less than half of the minimum number of screenings agreed by the UK Government and others are taking place each year.

At present, only seven EU member states provide nationwide screening programmes for colo-rectal cancer.

The UK is one of 20 member sates with no national screening programme, although regional programmes are now being rolled out and the UK does have a widely respected national breast cancer screening programme.

Speaking today,Liz said it was vital that the UK and other EU countries continue to increase their screening programmes.

She said: “The UK has one of the best breast cancer screening programmes in the European Union, although the UK still has a higher than average breast cancer mortality rate compared to many other EU countries and we must do more to lower this.

"With regards to colo-rectal cancer, however, it is shameful that we still have no national screening programme in place. In this area, countries like Greece, Germany, Slovakia and Slovenia have left us in their wake.

“The fact is that one third of cancers are preventable if caught early, yet every year thousands of people die because cancer has been allowed to develop unchecked.

"A comprehensive national colo-rectal cancer screening programme must be a priority for the UK Government as it will save lives”

Liz also commented on the need for people to become more aware of their personal health in order to prevent cancer.

She said: “People can dramatically reduce the risk of cancer by ensuring that they eat healthily, don’t smoke and take regular exercise.

"It is important that in both the UK and the rest of Europe we continue to make sure people are well informed about how the health choices they make can affect their risk of developing cancer.”

For further information, comment or to book an interview, contact Liz on 0033 388 177521 or 07764 452725.

For a copy of the European Commission's report please see http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/genetics/documents/com_2008_882.en.pdf It shows that breast, cervical and colo-rectal cancer accounts for 32 per cent of cancer deaths in women and 11 per cent in men. With an ageing population, the figures are due to increase unless preventive measures are taken to reduce cancer deaths.