Bowel cancer: North Wales Police commissioner shares health scare to raise awareness
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has signed up as a Bowel Cancer Awareness Champion after undergoing a bowel cancer screening which revealed potentially serious results.
The former Flintshire County Councillor, from Connah’s Quay, turned 50 in January and received a screening kit in the post shortly after.
Sharing his story publicly, Mr Dunbobbin said he had “no hesitation” in completing the test and urged others to do the same.
“Some do it, some don’t—I did, and I’m so glad I did,” he wrote in a social media post.
“About 10 days later, I got a letter: traces of blood were found. No hesitation, I called and got the ball rolling.”
Following the result, Mr Dunbobbin had a blood test and underwent a colonoscopy at Wrexham Maelor Hospital in mid-March, where six polyps were removed for screening.
Thankfully, the polyps were benign, but he will now require regular check-ups every three years.
Reflecting on the experience, he said: “This isn’t a pity post—I’m sharing to raise awareness. If you get one of these kits, do it. It’s quick, easy, and could be life-saving.”
He said the experience had reminded him of the loss of loved ones to cancer, including his father and mother-in-law.
But he was determined to face the situation head-on and has since committed to spreading awareness.
“This has resulted in me signing up to be a Bowel Cancer Awareness Champion—hence my lengthy and hopefully helpful post. So, if you’re turning 50 or have a kit gathering dust—do the test. It could make all the difference.”
April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, with Bowel Cancer UK encouraging people to talk about symptoms, share facts, and help others understand the importance of early detection.
The charity says bowel cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer, with nearly 44,000 people diagnosed each year.
More than nine out of ten new cases are in people over 50, but younger people are also affected.
The charity says that more than 16,800 people in the UK die from bowel cancer annually, but survival rates are improving thanks to earlier diagnosis and better treatments.
When diagnosed at its earliest stage, over 90% of people survive.
A spokesperson for Bowel Cancer UK said: “They say knowledge is power, so this April we’re asking everyone to share important information about bowel cancer. Will you help #PassItOn?”
Bowel cancer often begins with non-cancerous growths called polyps, which can be removed before they develop further.
Screening tests aim to detect these signs early, even before symptoms appear. If symptoms are present, people are encouraged to speak to their GP and not wait for a routine test.
Mr Dunbobbin said he hopes sharing his experience will encourage others to act. “After a wobble, I was determined to face it head-on… This marks the start of something positive.”
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