Sharon Hodgson MP has backed efforts to beat cancer at a major Cancer Research UK event in Parliament.

During the reception, the Gateshead and Washington MP discussed the importance of keeping cancer high on the political agenda.

MPs heard about Cancer Research UK’s new Commit To Beat Cancer campaign, which calls on the next Government to make the UK’s cancer outcomes among the best in Europe in the next ten years. The campaign asks supporters to contact their prospective parliamentary candidates, asking them to sign a Cancer Commitment.

Sharon Hodgson MP said: “One in three people can expect a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Outcomes for people with cancer are improving but they could be better. I’m proud of the world-class charitable medical research we undertake in the UK but more still needs to be done to prevent, detect and treat cancer.”

“I support Cancer Research UK’s campaign to make the UK’s cancer outcomes among the best in Europe. This would have a significant, positive impact on the people of Gateshead and Washington and I will continue to support measures that will help us to reach this goal.”

Aisling Burnand, Executive Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Cancer Research UK said: “We are very grateful to Sharon for supporting our campaign and we are delighted that over 400 prospective parliamentary candidates have signed our Cancer Commitment so far.”

“It is crucial that MPs continue to support measures to improve the UK’s cancer outcomes. Ten-year survival rates have doubled over the last thirty years and our work has been at the heart of that progress. Our five year survival rates, however, still lag behind the best performing countries in Europe (such as Sweden, Norway and Finland).”

“There are challenges ahead, and it is vital that action is taken to detect cancer earlier, provide world class treatment, prevent more cancers, tackle cancer inequalities and protect the UK’s research base. We must maintain momentum and the Commit To Beat Cancer campaign reflects our supporters’ desire to keep up the political pressure.”

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Sharon Hodgson MP
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