MEN'S cancer was under the spotlight at a Cancer Research event at the House of Commons.

And among the 50 MPs attending was South Swindon MP Julia Drown.

She said: "It was essentially a way of giving members of parliament a chance to speak to specialist cancer doctors about some of the issues surrounding cancer among the male population.

"I think that men are less likely than women to go to their doctors if they feel that there is something wrong. It is important to spread the message that early treatment can really improve your chances of survival."

The gathering was organised by the Cancer Research charity as part of the Man Alive Campaign, which highlights the cancers that affect men.

Cancers that are of particular concern, according to the charity are:

n Prostate Cancer: This is the most common cancer among men.

Lung Cancer: which claims the lives of 23,500 men a year.

Bowel Cancer: Each year 18,800 men in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Testicular Cancer: This is the most common form of cancer among men aged 15-45.

Prostate Cancer: This is the most common cancer among men, with around 24,700 cases a year. It is the second largest cause of death from cancer, with 9,900 deaths each year.

Lung Cancer: which claims the lives of 23,500 men a year. The anti smoking message has reduced the number of deaths by 24 per cent over the last 10 years.

Bowel Cancer: Each year 18,800 men in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Testicular Cancer: This is the most common form of cancer among men aged 15-45. Overall there are 2000 cases in the UK each year. It can usually be successfully treated and more than nine out of 10 patients are cured.