Information on Loughborough

Reed backs Cancer Reform Strategy

Posted on 05/12/2007
P. Klein

breast examination for cancer

Loughborough MP Andy Reed has welcomed the Government’s new Cancer Reform Strategy which plans to deliver improvements in cancer treatment across the country. It has been predicted that within the next 12 years there will be a 30%  increase in cancer cases in the UK, with one new case being diagnosed every 100 seconds in 2020. The massive increase will be caused by poor lifestyle, an aging population and an epidemic obesity problem.

The Cancer Reform Strategy builds on the important progress made in tackling cancer since the publication of the NHS Cancer Plan in 2000. Over the last 10 years there has been a downward tendency in cancer mortality rates in people under 75 – and survival rates are getting better, as well as general care. Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary, announced a massive £680 million plan for improving cancer services yesterday as part of the plan to combat the rise.

Reed recently visited the oncology department at Leicester Royal Infirmary with a local activist to see for himself the improvements that the Government has previously made on cancer care – where at present there is a zero waiting list – and is supporting the Government reforms to make a immense difference.

Loughborough’s MP Andy Reed said:

“I welcome the Government introducing this Cancer Reform Strategy today. Over the last ten years the treatment of cancer has been put at the forefront of the Government agenda and that is why survival rates continue to improve.

“I saw for myself a few weeks ago the level of care now being provided at places like the Leicester Royal Infirmary to cancer patients. At the LRI there are zero waiting lists, and that is a massive achievement.

“I will continue to work with Ministers to ensure that not only does the funding continue to go into the NHS to treat diseases such as cancer, but that we have a decent strategy in place to tackle them in the long term too.”

Facts On Cancer

Cancer kills 342 people per day in the UK.

£80 per head is spent on cancer treatment in the UK per year.

38% of deaths under 75 are caused by cancer