Sharon has supported the call by the APPG on Cancer – of which she is a member – to address cancer survival rates in the UK, which are amongst the worst in Europe.
It is estimated that by 2020, almost half of the UK population will receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime.
Over the past year the percentage of people in England surviving at least one year from their initial cancer diagnosis has risen from 69.3% to 70.2%. However, this is still well behind comparable international rates – in Sweden, for example, one-year cancer survival is around 82%.
At the event, Sharon was presented with the cancer survival rates for Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group which showed that 69% of local people with cancer will live for a year after diagnosis. This is lower than the national one-year survival rate for England of 70%.
Speaking at the event, Sharon said:
“During my time as a local Member of Parliament, I have worked hard on addressing cancer-related issues. This has included being chair of the Ovarian Cancer APPG and Co-Chair of the Breast Cancer APPG.
“One-year cancer survival rates have increased in Sunderland over the past few years, however, they still remain slightly below the national average. I have worked closely with Sunderland’s Clinical Commissioning Group on this matter, and will continue to do so in the coming years.
“All cancer patients deserve to be diagnosed as soon as possible to help address the costs to our NHS but also the cost to human life when diagnosis is too late to save a person’s life, that is why I will continue to work hard on this matter for my local constituents.”
Sharon welcomes latest one-year cancer survival statistics at APPG Cancer event
News from Westminster
Read Sharon Hodgson MP's report - News from Westminster - Feb-Mar 2016 - number 83
Welcome to my online monthly report - News from Westminster - which details some of the highlights from Westminster and the constituency.
Sharon Hodgson MP's report - News from Westminster - Feb-Mar 2016 - number 83
Sharon Hodgson MP's report - Feb-Mar 2016 - number 83
As Co-Chair of the Breast Cancer APPG and Chair of the Ovarian Cancer APPG, Sharon attended an event in Parliament this week to show her support for World Cancer Day (February 4, 2016).
Sharon met with representatives from four of the UK’s leading cancer charities who are working together to unite the nation and help transform the lives of millions of people who are affected by cancer.
Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan and the Movember Foundation are calling on people across Sunderland to show their support by wearing a Unity Band with pride (February 4).
The Unity Band is made of two parts, knotted together, to represent strength in unity and the power of what can be achieved when people come together.
The Unity Bands are available from each charity in their own colours at www.worldcancerday.co.uk for a suggested donation of £2. All money raised from the Unity Bands will go towards the charities’ individual research projects and support services.
One in two people born in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Collectively the four charities support millions of people every year through their individual work in the prevention, detection, treatment and support of those affected by cancer.
Money raised from the Unity Bands will fund breakthroughs in scientific research; save and improve the lives of people with blood cancers; provide high quality care, support and information for people with breast cancer, and fund research and support services to tackle prostate and testicular cancer.
By joining together this World Cancer Day, they aim to show that a small action taken by many will transform our future.
Reflecting on the message of World Cancer Day 2016, Sharon said:
“With World Cancer Day coming round this week it is important that people across the country, including here in Sunderland, show their support for helping to fight cancer – as we all do year round.
“Whether we spend this time celebrating those who have overcome cancer, showing our support for those currently undergoing treatment or remembering those who have sadly lost their life, it is important that we all come together and stand up against cancer and help reduce the devastating impact of cancer on future generations.”
For more information, to get any of the charities’ Unity Bands or make a donation visit www.worldcancerday.co.uk.