Valerie shows support for World Cancer Day 2017

On Wednesday 1 February 2017, I was delighted to meet those working tirelessly to beat cancer at the World Cancer Day (WCD) event in Parliament. The theme for this year’s WCD on Saturday 4 February 2017 is ‘We can. I can.’ and is a chance to reflect on what you can do, make a pledge and take action. Whatever you choose to do ‘We can. I can.’ make a difference to the fight against cancer.

Public Health England’s Health Profile 2015 for Walsall says that Walsall’s under 75 mortality rate for cancer is ‘significantly worse than England average’. It is clear that this needs to improve. Cancer Research UK is aiming to reach its goal for three in four of those diagnosed with cancer to survive within the next 20 years.

I spoke with Cancer Research UK whose pioneering work has been at the heart of progress that has seen survival rates double in the last 40 years. In 2014-15, Cancer Research UK spent £434 million on research and as it receives no Government funding, it depends on donations.

Other charities that were present were Anthony Nolan, Bowel Cancer UK, Breast Cancer Care, Marie Curie, Breast Cancer Now and CLIC Sargent. Their work is becoming increasingly important with new cancer cases per year expected to rise from 14 million today to 21.7 million in 2030. Today there are 8.2 million cancer deaths per year and this is expected to rise to 13 million in 2030.

You can show support by wearing a Unity Band which are available from each charity on their websites. The bands are made of two parts, knotted together, to symbolise strength in unity and the power of what can be achieved when people join forces.