Henry Smith MP column, Crawley Observer, 23 September 2015.

Throughout September I'm pleased to be supporting Blood Cancer Awareness Month. 

Since parliament returned after the General Election in May, I've been working with Bloodwise, the UK’s biggest blood cancer charity, dedicated to improving the lives of patients with all types of blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. 

A few years ago I lost my own mother to AML, a blood cancer so this is an issue particularly close to my heart.

Earlier this year, I hosted an event in the House of Commons to mark World Cancer Day, on 4th February.

This September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Bloodwise will be seeking to raise the profile of blood cancers.

This month, the charity changed its name to Bloodwise, having previously been known as Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. The new name was chosen to reflect the charity’s work for patients with all blood cancers, and unites everything being done to beat them, from world leading research and thought leadership to patient support services and fundraising.

Every year in the UK 14,000 people tragically lose their lives to blood cancer; this is 38 people taken from us each day.

There are 137 different types of blood cancer, and combined, it's the UK’s third biggest cancer killer.

Around 38,000 people each year are diagnosed with blood cancer or a related disorder.

Bloodwise are highlighting the fact that blood cancer is actually comprised of 137 individual diseases, and are putting this message up on 3,000 billboards around the country.

As part of their awareness programme, I was delighted to welcome Bloodwise to Parliament last week, where I listened to members of their research team talk about the vital work done.

Studies undertaken by Bloodwise have revealed that for patients, the lack of awareness adds significantly to the stress, uncertainty and worry that comes with a cancer diagnosis – low awareness also means that many patients, friends and families simply didn’t know about the organisations and support services that exist to help them.

When a loved one has cancer it's stressful enough, therefore, it's important to be aware of the assistance available.

While the charity’s name has been changed, its central purpose remains constant – to champion the needs of patients by influencing relevant policy and decision makers. 

Its communities give blood cancer patients, and their families a place where they can find support and information, sharing their journey with other people who can relate to what they are going through. 

For additional information on Bloodwise, please visit: www.bloodwise.org.uk. If you'd like to speak someone from the charity, please call 020 7504 2200.

External link:
Bloodwise