A CHARITY fighting to promote early diagnosis of bowel cancer has announced its first 'champion' to help raise awareness of the disease in Wales.

Newport West AM Jane Bryant has pledged to become a Bowel Cancer UK champion, to push for change through the Welsh Assembly for people affected by the disease.

Her role has been announced in the run-up to Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April.

The disease is Wales' fourth most common cancer. More than 2,200 people are diagnosed every year, and more than 900 people a year die of it, making bowel cancer Wales' second biggest cancer killer. Yet it is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

Ms Bryant will work with Bowel Cancer UK to improve early diagnosis and access to the best treatment and care. Working with people affected by the disease in her constituency, she also aims to raise awareness of the importance of taking part in bowel cancer screening, which has one of Wales' lowest uptake rates.

She will also work with the charity to develop a training package for AMs, so they too can be bowel cancer champions in their communities.

“It’s unacceptable that so many people die from bowel cancer each year. That’s why I’m proud to be working with Bowel Cancer UK and people affected by the disease to make real change happen through my role as a bowel cancer champion," said Ms Bryant.

"I am encouraging all Assembly Members to call for life-saving initiatives, which can improve outcomes for patients with the disease.”

Carl Difford, from Newport, diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer four years ago, asked Ms Bryant if she would take on the role.

“I saw MPs were becoming bowel cancer champions but health is devolved, so I contacted Jayne to see if she would consider being part of a similar scheme in Wales," he said.

"I was delighted when she agreed. Bowel cancer is an important issue that doesn’t get enough exposure.

“Many more lives can be saved, as bowel cancer is treatable and curable if caught early. This initiative can raise awareness and help save lives.”

Lowri Griffiths, head of Wales at Bowel Cancer UK, said Ms Bryant will be a "valuable ally in helping us put bowel cancer firmly on the political agenda and in campaigning for crucial improvements to services for patients".