TIME for a change in memory of Lorna

Feb 12 2010 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

VALENTINE’S Day is Margaret Paton’s favourite day of the year – it’s the day her only child was born.

Christmas Day is the one she dreads most – it’s the day her daughter died from cancer.

Margaret is adamant that 39-year-old Lorna’s death could have been prevented.

And now the Ayr woman is dedicating herself to changing the law and saving lives.

Margaret’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2003.

At the time, Lorna was a pillar of strength and support.

Both women were unaware that the same cancer was also raging through Lorna’s body.

But if she had been screened as soon as Margaret was diagnosed, medics would have been able to treat Lorna’s cancer.

By the time she was diagnosed in early 2005, the cancer had spread to Lorna’s liver.

She died in the Ayrshire Hospice months later.

Margaret, 66, explained: “I want the immediate family of anyone who is diagnosed with bowel cancer to be screened, regardless of their age.

“More and more people under the age of 40 are being diagnosed with this type of cancer. If Lorna had been screened when I was diagnosed, she would be alive today.”

Margaret has taken her campaign to the Scottish Parliament in a bid to change the law.

Last week, her MSP John Scott spoke to the public petitions committee on her behalf.

Margaret continued: “I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing it for other families. I’d hate other people to go through this.

“I was adopted, so I didn’t know my biological family history. When doctors asked me about it, it went in one ear and out the other. I was so consumed with facing my own cancer that I didn’t even think Lorna could be at risk.

“You don’t think a young person is going to get bowel cancer and die.

“I appreciate it will cost a lot of money to screen people. But in the long run, if bowel cancer is picked up early, it’ll be much cheaper to treat.”

Despite her grief, Margaret remains incredibly positive.

She continued: “I could go down the bad road, but Lorna wouldn’t want that.

“I had her for 39 years. A lot of people get their children for a lot less time. I’ve got to look at it that way and I’ve got to make something positive come from Lorna’s death.

“She was a smashing girl – even if I do say so myself.”

John Scott MSP has been supporting Margaret in her fight for a change in the law.

He said: “It is typical of Margaret to throw herself so tirelessly into the campaign to extend bowel cancer screening.

“Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Scotland.

“More than 3000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year.”