TWO women from North Somerset are backing a nationwide campaign after their lives were saved by routine cancer screening.

TWO women from North Somerset are backing a nationwide campaign after their lives were saved by routine cancer screening.

Patricia Wilson and Judy Crossley are backing the drive by Cancer Research UK, called Screening Matters, which is calling on politicians to increase the uptake of cancer checks.

Patricia, manager of the charity’s shop in Regent Street, Weston, went for screening after her mother died from cancer and her

sister was diagnosed with cervical cancer in her forties. As a result of the screening, the 53-year-old, from Brent Street, Brent Knoll, was told she had pre-cancerous cells on her cervix and subsequently underwent surgery to remove these.

Judy, of Uphill Road, Weston, was told she had cancer when she was 51. Her sister, mother and grandmother had all previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. Now aged 55, she says she recognises the importance of taking up screening when it is offered.

She said: “Due to my history of breast cancer in the family I am screened every year now and I would strongly advise anyone who is invited not to ignore the letter.

“Screening probably saved my life. Early detection plays a huge part and I am so thankful was caught in time.”

Campaign supporters are being asked to sign a pledge card to show their support for the political aims and promise to attend screening when invited. All women, when they reach the age of 50, are sent a letter to invite them for a breast screening. Similar invitations are sent out for tests for bowel cancer.

For more information log on to www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk