Seema Malhotra MP has backed an appeal from Cancer Research UK for more NHS staff to deliver the life-saving cancer tests and treatments people need. Seema met with campaigners from the charity during the Labour Party Conference to hear about the “Shoulder to Shoulder Against Cancer” campaign.
It calls for everyone to stand with the NHS and urge the UK Government to tackle the chronic shortage of staff who diagnose and treat the disease.
Every year, 980 people are diagnosed with cancer in 400 and as the population grows and ages, that number is only set to rise
More staff are urgently needed to keep up with the demand for life-saving tests and treatments, yet already 1 in 10 NHS diagnostic posts are unfilled.
Speaking after the meeting, Seema Malhotra MP said: “After the past 70 years of fantastic work from the NHS, it is vital to ensure it is fit to face the challenges of the decades to come.
“Many of us have been affected by cancer in some way, and 1 in 2 of us will be diagnosed in our lifetimes.
“We all want a world-class service where people are given every opportunity to survive this devastating disease, for it to be diagnosed early and for patients to receive the best treatment possible.
“That’s why I’m backing Cancer Research UK’s call to stand shoulder to shoulder with the NHS against cancer.”