Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has highlighted the importance of Bowel Cancer Awareness month, taking place during April, and organised by Bowel Cancer UK.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr Stevenson said:
"I applaud this national campaign which is aimed at raising awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer and ways to reduce the risk. Research has indicated that 84% of the population would feel too embarrassed to act on the symptoms of bowel cancer. The tragedy is that the number of deaths from bowel cancer could easily be reduced - if caught in its early stages it is highly treatable, with survival rates of up to 90%.
"In the majority of cases, bowel problems will not turn out to be cancer. However, Bowel Cancer UK encourages people to act quickly and talk to their GP.
"It is a proven fact that obesity has links to bowel cancer and by making a few simple lifestyle changes, individuals can help to reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. These include: eating a healthy diet low in fat and high in fibre, including at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day, drinking plenty of fresh fluids, water in particular and taking up regular exercise to keep fit and healthy.
"For those wishing more information, they should visit the Bowel Cancer UK website: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk."
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
