John Baron MP attends Cancer Research UK Parliamentary Reception

John at the event

MP highlights importance of earlier diagnosis

John Baron MP recently attended a Parliamentary event organised by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) to speak to charity representatives about how best to raise cancer issues in the new Parliament.

Although the NHS is as good as any health service at treating cancer, with one in two people set to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, there is still much to do. UK cancer survival rates continue to lag behind other countries, and too many cancers are first diagnosed at an advanced stage, when they are harder to treat successfully.

At the event, John met some of CRUK’s volunteer Campaign Ambassadors and received local cancer statistics for Basildon and Billericay. He is Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer (APPGC).

John said,

“I was pleased to hear more about Cancer Research UK’s pioneering research into cancer, and was recently taken on a tour around the CRUK’s new laboratories at the Crick Institute. I am hopeful that the next breakthroughs in cancer treatment will be made in such centres.”

“Meanwhile, we must do all we can to encourage earlier diagnosis – cancer’s magic key – as the earlier the cancer is detected, the more successfully it can be treated. The APPGC was very pleased that NHS England responded positively to our campaign to put one-year cancer survival statistics at the top of the local NHS’ accountability tree. These have been in place since April, and should enable politicians, charities and patients to monitor the performance of their local NHS when it comes to early diagnosis.”

Layla Theiner, Cancer Research UK’s Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning said,

“Without increased political support we could see the death toll from cancer rising in the UK and so we’re grateful to John for helping to highlight the power of research in beating the disease.”

“Survival rates in the UK have doubled in the last 40 years. But there’s still so much more to do and we can’t do it alone.”

“Investment in creating the right environment in the UK to not only enable and foster research, but also to help prevent cancer and give patients the best possible access to treatments must be key priorities for the new Government.”