World Cancer Research Day is taking place today (24 September 2021) and is a worldwide initiative to promote cancer research, with the eventual aim of defeating cancer. Cancer research contributes to the discovery of tests, tools and treatments that improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
In marking the global awareness day, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has commended the life-saving research that Cancer Research Wales is undertaking in universities, GP surgeries and hospitals across Wales.
Janet said:
“The ground-breaking research being undertaken at sites across Wales explores the fundamental processes of cancer biology. Importantly, that means our researchers are examining why and how cancer cells grow, invade and spread, and why some resist treatment.
“Research is a continuous work and the results will be noticeable in the long term. Thanks to our brilliant researchers, around 2 in 4 people in the UK survive their cancer for 10 years or more. The prospects of major advances in tackling cancer have never been greater, but funding and donations remain essential in realising the research opportunities available.
“On World Cancer Research Day, on behalf of the constituents of Aberconwy, I wish to convey our deepest thanks and gratitude for the work being undertaken by frontline health professionals, hospice care staff, our research organisations and pay tribute to those loved ones who provide essential support networks. Together, these efforts are making a real difference.
“Given that a recent Cardiff University-led UK-wide survey has found that more than 1 in 5 people are less likely to take part in cancer screening than before the pandemic, the Welsh Government must take the initiative to ensure that the public are not storing up problems to be dealt with later on.
“This is why I continue to urge the Welsh Government to fast track access to free bowel cancer screening for men and women aged between 50 and 59, given that the phased age expansion will not be completed until 2024-25.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Bowel Screening Wales currently sends a screening kit to men and women aged 60 to 74 every two years, with the Welsh Government committed to a phased age expansion of the programme. Researchers from Cardiff University and Cancer Research UK, who ran a recent study, are calling for national campaigns to encourage people to take part in screening.
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
