Dr Liam Fox MP has pledged his support to Pancreatic Cancer ‘No Time to Wait’ campaign.
At an event in the Palace of Westminster on Wednesday 16 November Dr Liam Fox MP heard how almost 60 per cent of people with pancreatic cancer are being diagnosed in A&E or other emergency care. This is the highest proportion of any common cancer and far more than breast (3 per cent), prostate (8 per cent) or lung (36 per cent) cancers. Tragically, for most people this means it is too late for them to have lifesaving treatment. More than half of people die within three months of their diagnosis, making pancreatic cancer the quickest killing cancer.
Around 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer per year in the UK. Around 8,924 people die every year of the disease in the UK.
Pancreatic Cancer UK fear that unless urgent action us taken this situation will become even worse. The charity is calling for the government to take action so that everyone with the disease is: diagnosed within 21 days of their referral; offered fast access to treatment and care; and immediately given access to support from a specialist cancer nurse.
Dr Liam Fox MP said: “Time is truly of the essence with this devastating disease. I want to see an ambitious long-term plan put in place to transform survival for this devastating disease”.
Pancreatic Cancer UK is calling on the UK Government and devolved administrations to publish and implement cancer plans to deliver the earlier diagnosis and faster treatment that will save lives. To find out more about the ‘No Time to Wait’ campaign and sign the petition, visit: https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/ntw
Diana Jupp, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK said: “We’re extremely grateful that Dr Liam Fox MP has shown his support for our No Time to Wait campaign”.