Local Shadow MP committed to beating cancer - Alcock

6.18.00pm GMT Thu 4th Mar 2010

Local Shadow MP for Oldham West & Royton including Chadderton, Mark Alcock has joined hundreds of MPs across the country in signing up to Cancer Research UK's Cancer Commitment, aiming to make UK cancer outcomes among the best in Europe in the next ten years.

Commenting, Mark Alcock said:

"I am delighted to pledge my support for Cancer Research UK's vital campaign. Cancer remains the public's number one fear.

"With a concerted effort from the next Parliament, we can give hope to the millions of people affected by cancer and their friends and family."

More than one in three people in Oldham West & Royton will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. In the last thirty years, the UK's 10-year survival rates have doubled but cancer survival rates still lag behind the best performing countries in Europe such as Sweden, Norway and Finland. Cancer Research UK is calling on Parliamentary candidates to commit now that if they are elected, they will help make cancer outcomes for patients in the UK among the best in Europe in a decade.

The Cancer Commitment calls on MPs in the next Parliament to take action in five key areas:

Detecting cancer earlier

Providing world class treatment

Preventing more cancers

Tackling cancer inequalities

Protecting the UK's research base

Jon Spiers, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning at Cancer Research UK, said

"To consign today's cancer challenges to tomorrow's history books, we must act now. Our thousands of scientists and our millions of supporters are hoping to see MPs in the next Parliament step up to the challenge."