Catherine McKinnell MP has recently reaffirmed her commitment to help Cancer Research UK save more lives in Newcastle North, and across the UK.

Over the course of this Parliament, two million people will be diagnosed with cancer across the country, and cancer survival in the UK is still lagging behind other countries – with too many cancers diagnosed at an advanced stage, when they are harder to treat successfully.

With Cancer Research UK Ambassador and Newcastle GP, Dr Chris Tasker

Joining Cancer Research UK at an event in Westminster, Catherine met with some of the charity’s dedicated Campaign Ambassadors, including Newcastle GP Dr Chris Tasker, and heard that around 2,800 people are diagnosed with cancer each year across the Newcastle and Gateshead area.

Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years and Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that, by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for the same length of time.

Cancer Research UK is therefore supporting research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses across the country – including its team of over 200 people undertaking research in Newcastle, in partnership with the Northern Institute for Cancer Research, the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the North of England Children’s Cancer Research Fund, and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Catherine said:

‘Almost everyone will be touched by cancer at some point in their lives, whether being diagnosed themselves – or seeing relatives or friends affected by this all too often devastating disease.

 ‘It’s really positive to know that the outlook for new and better cancer treatments in the UK is bright, and Cancer Research UK is playing a major role in this through its pioneering research including that taking place here in Newcastle.

‘But there is clearly still much more to do on preventing and detecting cancer earlier, and ensuring that innovative new treatments are brought to patients faster. We must keep cancer at the top of the political agenda to ensure we really can beat it sooner.’

Matt Davies, Cancer Research UK’s Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning, said:

‘At Cancer Research UK, we’re resolute in our ambition to see 3 in 4 patients surviving cancer by 2034. To achieve this we need cancer at the top of the political agenda and so we’re grateful to Catherine for helping to highlight the importance of research and action in beating the disease.

‘Survival in the UK has doubled in the last 40 years. But there’s still so much more to do and we cannot do it alone.

‘Creating the right environment for cancer research alongside cancer prevention, early diagnosis and ensuring patients have access to the best possible treatments must be key priorities for the new Government.’