North East Herts MP Oliver Heald marked World Cancer Day at a special Cancer Research UK event at Westminster this week about the future of cancer care.
Taking place on the 4th February each year, World Cancer Day is an international initiative which inspires individuals and communities to unite against the disease.
The North East Hertfordshire MP met with researchers about the life-saving work taking place in labs across the UK, along with the charity’s volunteer ambassadors who share their experiences of cancer to help inspire and inform the decision-makers who can make a real difference to how the disease is tackled in the UK.
World Cancer Day also saw the end of Cancer Research UK’s 20th anniversary year. The charity has been holding events over the last 12 months to celebrate the progress made in beating cancer, thanks to the long-term dedication of its supporters and campaigners.
Commenting, Oliver Heald said:
“We’ve come a long way in the fight against cancer, but there’s so much further to go. The research charities such as Cancer Research UK fund is vital to help unlock new and better ways to beat the disease, but it’s also crucial that politicians work together to ensure the patients of today and tomorrow have the best possible chance of survival.”
Among calls to help support patients and research, Cancer Research UK is urging the UK Government to use the forthcoming Spring Budget to ensure there is real investment in reducing smoking rates and to train and recruit the NHS workforce needed for future generations.
Head of Public Affairs at Cancer Research UK, Shaun Walsh, said the support of parliamentarians is key to help transform the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer across the UK.
He said:
“The theme of World Cancer Day this year is closing the care gap and it’s never resonated more loudly, because beating cancer means beating it for everyone.
“Whether it’s helping to prevent 4 in 10 cancers by backing measures such as our #SmokefreeUK campaign, or ensuring Governments have dedicated, long-term plans for tackling cancer, politicians can make a big difference – days like this are important reminders we all need to work together to beat cancer.”
For more information visit cruk.org
