West Dunbartonshire’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has shown his support for NHS staff and families affected by cancer at a House of Commons event marking World Cancer Day.
The local MP met with cancer specialists and campaigners from Cancer Research UK to learn about the charity’s latest research and show their support for all those working to ensure more people survive their cancer.
World Cancer Day takes place in February every year and is designed to raise awareness of cancer and to promote its prevention, detection and treatment.
Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer charities like Cancer Research UK hope to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least a decade.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“Cancer survival rates are improving in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland, but there are still around 7,000 new cancer cases diagnosed every year here in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
“Too many families, especially from poorer backgrounds, continue to be devastated by this terrible disease. Cancer affects all of us one way or another, and events like World Cancer Day are a reminder that we all have a part to play in beating the disease.
“Small actions, such as wearing a Unity Band and helping raise funds for research, can make a big difference and I’d urge people in West Dunbartonshire to show their support all year round.”
Shaun Walsh, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning at Cancer Research UK, said:
“A big thank you to Martin Docherty-Hughes MP for joining us to raise awareness on World Cancer Day.
“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lifetime, so we need as many people as possible to help back our doctors, scientists and nurses on the frontline against cancer.”
