Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies attended an event in Parliament to mark Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month at which worrying statistics emphasised the need for improvements in the diagnosis, treatment and awareness of this type of cancer.
At the Pancreatic Cancer UK event at the Palace of Westminster on November 16th, James, and other MPs, 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.
As part of their ‘No Time to Wait’ campaign they are calling on the Government and devolved administrations to produce a long-term plan in response to the pancreatic cancer emergency, 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.
James said:
“For people affected by pancreatic cancer, time is truly of the essence. Yet, while we have seen significant improvements in the diagnosis, treatment and awareness of many cancers, progress on pancreatic cancer has been more difficult.”
To find out more about the ‘No Time to Wait’ campaign and sign the petition, visit: https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/ntw
