John Baron MP and Basildon Hospital launch cancer seminar to encourage earlier diagnosis

John with Clare Panniker, Chief Executive of Basildon Hospital.

MP and hospital asks GPs and medical professionals to mark 28^th June

Today John Baron MP took part in a photoshoot to promote a local Cancer Summit. The summit was suggested by John in his role as Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer. It will be hosted and organised by Basildon Hospital on 28^th June, and will bring together GPs, consultants and cancer specialists from across the local CCG area.

The purpose of the Summit will be to promote awareness of the importance of earlier diagnosis for cancer patients. The earlier a cancer is detected, the more successfully it can be treated. Late diagnosis, which makes for much reduced survival, is sadly widespread in the UK; this needs to change, especially if the Government is to meet its target of saving an extra 5,000 cancer lives by 2014/15.

The Summit will be addressed by Sara Hiom [the Director of Earlier Diagnosis and Patient Engagement at Cancer Research UK], John Baron MP and Samir Shah [Clinical lead for cancer and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre].

John said,

“Earlier diagnosis is the ‘magic key’ when it comes to cancer, as it drives up survival rates. It is a national disgrace that a quarter of all cancers are first diagnosed at A&E, and I am pleased our local NHS is taking the initiative to address this issue for the benefit of local patients. I would urge all healthcare professionals to attend the summit on 28^th June.”

Mr Samir Shah, clinical lead for cancer and consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre said:

“Over the past few years local hospital cancer specialists have developed excellent joint working arrangements, sharing expertise and resources to ensure the best possible treatment for people with cancer.

“What we need to do now is to better engage with our primary care colleagues, as they play a key role in ensuring that cancers are identified early. It is essential that we work together to encourage early cancer diagnosis and provide the most effective specialist treatment, to improve outcomes for patients.”