Kirsten Oswald MP unites with Cancer Research UK for World Cancer Day

Kirsten Oswald MP took part in a virtual Cancer Research UK event to mark World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day takes place on the 4th February each year.

With the pandemic meaning in-person events aren’t possible, Kirsten logged on to link up with Cancer Research UK to learn about the charity’s latest research and show her support for protecting cancer services at this crucial time.

Though survival has doubled in the last 40 years in the UK, there is still much more work to do, and the pressures of COVID-19 have had a huge impact on cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least a decade.

Kirsten said: “Cancer unfortunately doesn’t stop during the pandemic, and events like this are an important reminder that, however tough things are right now, we all still have a part to play to beat the disease.

“We all want cancers to be caught as early as possible and the best outcomes possible for patients. It’s amazing to see the advances we have made, and I hope people in East Renfrewshire show their support as we all work together to ensure our NHS can help those who need it most.”

Shaun Walsh, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning at Cancer Research UK, said: “A big thank you to Kirsten Oswald for joining us to raise awareness on World Cancer Day, even if we’re not able to do it in person this year. It’s been a tough year for what the pandemic has meant not only for cancer care but also research.

“We’re expecting to see fundraising income decline by £160m this financial year and by £300m over three years as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Uniting to beat cancer has never been more important.

“That’s why we want to work together with Kirsten in the months ahead to secure a long term strategy to help recover, rebuild and rethink how we transform cancer services to help the patients of today and tomorrow, protect vital services and ensure we’re investing and building on years of scientific breakthroughs, not falling behind.”