On World Cancer Day Mims Davies MP attended multiple events including Leukaemia UK's Parliamentary event to mark the launch of their Take Action Save Lives report.
At the event, people and their families who have been impacted by leukaemia shared their experiences and highlighted the urgent need for policy changes to save and improve the lives of people facing this devastating disease.
Leukaemia currently affects 60,000 people across the UK, with 16 people diagnosed each year in East Grinstead and Uckfield. Alarmingly, if no action is taken, nearly 80% of those diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) today are expected to die before the end of this Parliament.
Leukaemia UK are calling for a commitment from the UK Government to double the five year survival rate for AML within the next ten years.
Unlike many other cancers, surgery is not an option for people with leukaemia, therefore an early diagnosis and a standardised pathway across treatment and into recovery is vital. Currently 37% of all leukaemia cases are diagnosed in an emergency setting, compared to the 21% average for all cancers.
For AML, the statistics are even more shocking, with more than half of cases diagnosed in an emergency setting. Given the aggressive and rapidly progressing nature of AML, early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Mims Davies MP said:
Hearing directly from those impacted by leukaemia was a powerful reminder of the urgent need for action.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical, and we must address the gaps in current cancer strategies to stop leukaemia devastating lives.
Leukaemia UK have outlined actionable recommendations in their report for addressing challenges in early diagnosis, treatment pathways, and long-term care for leukaemia patients.
This is why I am committed to urging the government to ensure that the upcoming National Cancer Plan addresses drives improvements for people with leukaemia.
Together, we can take the necessary steps to save lives and improve outcomes for thousands of individuals and families across the UK.
Joesph Beaver, who has been impacted by leukaemia, said:
I have a rare type of leukaemia and I don’t look like I have cancer, however the diagnosis and treatment has had a huge impact on me and my family.
Leukaemia and blood cancers have been neglected by national cancer policies for decades, and the government needs to take urgent action now to stop leukaemia devastating lives.
I’m working with the leukaemia community to be an advocate for change and representing all leukaemia patients to make sure we have the best possible treatments and outcomes.
