Thank you for contacting me about support for people affected by cancer. It is an awful disease and often is spotted far too late. Many of my friends have died of cancer and I know how difficult it is for families and friends. I went to Cancer Research UK's World Cancer Day event in Parliament this year to learn more about the disease, the people who are affected by it and how we can increase early diagnosis.
I completely agree with the intent of the Macmillan Cancer Support Campaign of increasing early diagnosis, tackling inequalities in cancer care and increasing support for those affected. The Department of Health and Social Care is already working to increase early diagnosis and survival rates for pancreatic cancer, through the Elective Recovery Plan, the Government is investing £2.3 billion to create more Community Diagnostic Centres which will be prioritised for cancer services. I understand that more needs to be done to effectively address the current shortcomings of cancer care and increase survival rates.
I will write to the Minister on this and let him know of this initiative. I will also contact our local Cancer Alliance to ask what steps they are taking to improve pathways and outcomes for people living with pancreatic cancer in our area
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
