Andrew Western marked World Cancer Day at a special Cancer Research UK event at Westminster this week, which was focussed on improving cancer survival in the UK.

Taking place on the 4 February each year, the awareness day is an international initiative, which inspires individuals and communities to unite against the disease.

When that when cancer is first suspected, the Government has a target that at least 85% of people should have a confirmed diagnosis and start treatment within 62 days. In November 2023, the 62-day target in the area surrounding the Stretford and Urmston constituency was not met – only 55.4% of people were seen with 62 days.

If the target had of been met in Stretford and Urmston, around 25 additional patients would have been treated on time. For the same period, the England average was 65.2% – so Stretford and Urmston falls below this.

The Stretford and Urmston MP met with Cancer Research UK staff, researchers and campaigners to discuss how to speed up progress in preventing, diagnosing and treating the disease.

Andrew Western said: “Incredible progress has been made in the fight against cancer and survival in the UK has doubled in the last 50 years. But there’s still much further to go.

“People in Stretford and Urmston could benefit hugely from the proposals in Cancer Research UK’s manifesto and its vital mission to help avoid 20,000 cancer deaths a year in the UK by 2040, is one that we should all get behind.

“It is crucial that politicians work together, and with charities such as Cancer Research UK, to help ensure more people affected by cancer can live longer, better lives.”