Chloe Smith
MP for Norwich North
 
Feb
3

Realise, unite, challenge: World Cancer Day matters

Author: Chloe Smith, Updated: 03 February 2023 08:57

 

On Saturday 4 February 2023, we mark World Cancer Day. 

 

10 million people died of cancer in 2020.  I'm lucky not to have been one of them - I was diagnosed that year, and got great NHS treatment.  I want everyone to have that treatment if they need it.

 

World Cancer Day is campaigning to "close the gap", and I wholeheartedly agree.  They have a three year [http://Campaign theme I World Cancer Day]campaign theme for impact:  realise the problem, unite our voices and take action, and challenge those in power.

 

Sadly, it's been easy for me to realise the problem, not only through my own recovery, but through the loss of two dear friends in these same years.  Both were wonderful, warm, witty people who gave a lot to the world around them.  They were devoted family men, leaving behind devastated teenage children.  I write these words in the memory of James and Johnathan.

 

So, I unite my voice with others on this World Cancer Day to take action to help prevent deaths like this.

 

But I'm not just a private person, marking it with my friends and family.  As an MP, I have responsibility and power, and the campaign is right to challenge those who can legislate and implement and fund a difference around the world.  I've used my own experience to question UK ministers in Parliament, and I've heard from constituents who share my passion for better healthcare around the globe, to which we can contribute thanks to Britain's aid budget. 

 

While prospects of major advances in tackling cancer have never been greater, globally, an individual's chances of beating cancer will vary hugely.  Read more here:  Key issues | World Cancer Day.

 

For people reading this in the UK, cancer survival rates in the UK have doubled over time.  Right now, record numbers of people are being checked for cancer and more people are being referred for treatment since before the pandemic.  But there's much more to do.   

 

If you or a loved one is currently living with cancer, please do draw support from our incredible local cancer services and charities in Norwich and Norfolk:

 

Big C, Norwich, https://www.big-c.co.uk tel: 0800 092 7640

 

For more information or to show your support on World Cancer Day 2023 please go to:

 

If I can help any North Norwich constituent with a health-related concern, please do contact me on: chloe@chloesmith.org.uk or tel: 01603 414756

 

 

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