Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has backed an appeal from Cancer Research UK to save the lives of more cancer patients, as news comes that one in two people will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives.
The new figure was announced on World Cancer Day (February 4) to highlight the urgent need to bolster public health and NHS cancer services so they can cope with a growing and ageing population and the looming demands for better diagnostics, treatments, and earlier diagnosis.
Stephen Metcalfe attended a parliamentary event held by Cancer Research UK to mark World Cancer Day and encourage MPs to support their Cross Cancer Out campaign.
In the run up to the General Election, the charity is calling on candidates to back measures to ensure cancer patients receive the best treatment and are diagnosed early enough for that treatment to make a difference.
UK cancer survival rates are still lagging behind the best in Europe and in England nearly half of all cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when they are harder to treat successfully.
Cancer Research UK says that support for public awareness campaigns, increasing screening uptake and ensuring equal access to innovative evidence-based treatments are key to saving more lives.
Stephen Metcalfe commented: “Raising support for cancer treatments is of huge importance for me and my constituents, and Cancer Research UK does an incredible job in the battle against the disease.”
“With more than three people diagnosed with cancer every hour in the East of England, it is vital that we detect cancer earlier, both in the region, and across the country.”
“MPs have a vital role to play in helping to beat cancer sooner and improve our public services, and I take my responsibilities on this matter very seriously. That is why I am backing the Cross Cancer Out campaign, and supporting those who do such an incredible job with research and medical advances.
Layla Theiner, Head of Public Affairs at Cancer Research UK, said: “The increase in the lifetime risk of getting cancer is primarily because more people are surviving into old age, when the disease is more common. “
“We can’t avoid growing older, but we can prevent a crisis in the future by acting now to make our NHS cancer services among the best in the world.”
“Without increased political support we could see the death toll from cancer rising in the UK and so early diagnosis and better treatments must be key priorities for the next Government.”
“That’s why we’re calling on MPs and parliamentary candidates from all political parties to commit to ‘Cross Cancer Out’ and help ensure no-one’s life is cut short by this devastating disease.”
For more information and ways to get involved in the campaign, visit cruk.org/crosscancerout or join the conversation on twitter #CrossCancerOut
