Henry Smith MP showed his support for all those working to ensure more people survive their cancer during and after the pandemic at a virtual Cancer Research UK event to mark World Cancer Day.
Taking place on 4th February each year, World Cancer Day is an international initiative which inspires individuals and communities to unite against cancer.
With the pandemic meaning in-person events are not possible, the Crawley MP and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Blood Cancer logged on to link up with Cancer Research UK to learn about the charity’s latest research and reiterate his support for protecting cancer services at this crucial time.
Though survival has doubled in the last 40 years in the UK, there is still much more work to do – and the pressures of COVID-19 have had a huge impact on cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Henry said;
“Cancer unfortunately doesn’t stop during the pandemic, and events like this are an important reminder that, however tough things are right now, we all still have a part to play to beat the disease.
“We all want cancers to be caught as early as possible and the best outcomes possible for patients. It’s amazing to see the advances we have made, and I hope people in Crawley show their support however they can as we all work together to ensure our NHS can help those who need it most.”
Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least a decade.
Among its calls to help patients and research, Cancer Research UK is urging the Government to use the forthcoming Budget to clarify how they will target funding announced last year to clear the cancer backlog.
Shaun Walsh, Head of Public Affairs & Campaigning at Cancer Research UK, said;
“A big thank you to Henry Smith MP for joining us to raise awareness on World Cancer Day, even if we’re not able to do it in person this year.
“It’s been a tough year for what the pandemic has meant not only for cancer care but also research. We’re expecting to see fundraising income decline by £160 million this financial year and by £300 million over three years as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Uniting to beat cancer has never been more important.
“That’s why we want to work together with Henry Smith MP in the months ahead to secure a long term strategy to help recover, rebuild and rethink how we transform cancer services to help the patients of today and tomorrow, protect vital services and ensure we’re investing and building on years of scientific breakthroughs, not falling behind.”
