Edward Mountain MSP says “look after yourself, you’re really important” in an inspiring bowel cancer awareness raising video

On the second anniversary of his bowel cancer diagnosis, Edward Mountain MSP is encouraging everyone to be aware of the early signs of the illness and to check themselves regularly.

In a new video shared to social media, Edward Mountain MSP said:

“Two years ago today, sitting in this very office, I received a telephone call to tell me that I had bowel cancer. It was the start of a journey, a journey that included radiotherapy and chemotherapy and ultimately surgery to remove the cancer.

“What I wanted to get you to do today is to check yourself, it's really important. You want to look out for the following symptoms: if you find blood in your poo, unusual bowel movements over a period of time, a pain in your stomach, a loss of weight or just even feeling tired.

“If you get any of those symptoms or any of the symptoms together, go along to see your doctor. Ask your doctor to have you checked for bowel cancer, because what we know is if you catch it earlier, there is a really good chance of you responding well to treatment.

“So my message to you today is very simply: look after yourself, you're really important.”

Last year, Edward Mountain MSP announced that he was undertaking treatment for bowel cancer on a well-received social media post.

Since initial treatment, Edward Mountain continues to be monitored and is now devoted to raising awareness of the disease.

Around 43,000 people each year are diagnosed with bowel cancer, according to Bowel Cancer UK.

The organisation’s website states that “Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However this drops significantly as the disease develops. Early diagnosis really does save lives.”