Sir Gavin Williamson recently joined Cancer Research UK for a parliamentary event to discuss the charity’s manifesto for cancer research and care in 2024.
The charity has suggested the government take in a national commitment to reduce the cancer mortality rate by 15% by 2040, which would prevent 20,000 cancer deaths every year. To do this, the charity outlined some of its mission statements, such as rebuilding the UK’s global position in research, diagnosing cancers earlier and reducing inequalities in cancer consultations.
Sir Gavin was particularly keen to support the charity in its aims, as the West Midlands has long been a titan in cancer research. Researchers at Aston University for example, were the first to discover temozolomide, a drug now used worldwide to treat people with the most common type of brain tumour, glioblastoma. Currently, cancer research in the West Midlands is looking into how certain types of bacteria could be used as cancer therapies. Dr Kendle Maslowski at the University of Birmingham is studying how a modified version of the bacteria Salmonella could be used to limit the growth of tumours.
Sir Gavin said: “As an MP from a county that prides itself on its contribution to cancer research over the years, I’m keen to keep supporting these research groups where I can, and I’ll continue my role in parliament to push for Cancer Research UK’s manifesto ambitions. Around 33,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the West Midlands every year. This is a cruel and senseless disease, and one day we will beat it. Let’s make that day happen as soon as we can.”
