For 70 years NHS staff have helped transform cancer research into lifesaving tests and treatments. However, an ageing and growing population means that one in two people in the UK are predicted to get cancer in their lifetime.
The NHS is already struggling to keep up with the increased demand for cancer tests and treatments. More than 1 in 10 NHS diagnostic posts (the people who diagnose cancer) are unfilled and thousands more NHS staff will be needed in the future. Action is needed now to solve this problem. People who suspect they may have cancer can currently wait more than 2 months for tests and test results. Early diagnosis gives a far higher chance of survival for the patient, and is also far more cost effective for the NHS as treatment is less costly.
I should like to thank Phil Wilson MP personally, and on behalf of CRUK, for his time and support in the campaign.
