- 02/02/2026
- Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
- Category: Local News, News
On Monday 2 February 2026 I was pleased to invite my constituent Elliott Pfebve to a drop in ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February each year is a significant day for those dealing with cancer.
The theme of this year’s World Cancer Day is ‘United by Unique,’ which is about centring the unique experiences of every person affected by cancer.
With over 4000 researches making regular discoveries and patients trialling the latest drugs and developments, it is said that we are in a “golden age” for cancer research. Cancer Research UK have called on the Government to :
- Speed up patient access to clinical trials
- Prioritise innovation in research through the NHS
- Remove barriers to attracting the best talent in the cancer research field
On 4 February 2026 The Government published the ‘National Cancer Plan for England: delivering world class cancer care’. The report acknowledged a perception that we are not exploiting our full potential, and that we are falling behind. The Government aims to address the challenges in cancer research and innovation and ensure that we are a world leader.
One of the Government’s six research priorities is the creation and roll out of the next generation of personalised treatments, including molecular radiotherapy, genomics, and mRNA vaccines.
Elliot was put forward for a trial for the use of an mRNA vaccine for Bowel Cancer. He is an Ambassador for Cancer Research UK.
I am pictured (right) with Mr Elliot Pfebve, from Birchills.
Elliot made history as the first person in the UK to receive the mRNA cancer vaccine, after he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023. The personalised vaccine recognises and destroys remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Encouraged by his experience, he has gone on to establish the Pfebve Cancer Intervention and Support Foundation to raise awareness, fund care and provide critical support to those navigating cancer.
