Ahead of World Cancer Day (4 February), Martin attended a special drop-in event in Parliament hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Cancer.
The event provided an opportunity for Parliamentarians to show their solidarity with the millions of people living with and affected by cancer across the UK. During the session, Martin met with advocates and experts to discuss the urgent need for more equitable access to timely diagnosis and high-quality treatment.
While survival rates continue to improve, Martin remains concerned that a "postcode lottery" still exists, where the quality of care and speed of diagnosis can vary significantly depending on where a patient lives.
Commenting on the event, Martin said:
"I was pleased to join colleagues in supporting the APPG on Cancer. This World Cancer Day, I am pledging my support for better cancer care for all. Everyone deserves the right care, the right treatment, and the right support for their needs, regardless of their background or where they live.
"By standing united in Parliament, we send a powerful message that improving cancer outcomes remains a top priority. We must continue to work toward a system where every patient can access the life-saving services they require."
Further to attending the above event, Martin also attended the National Cancer Plan debate in the House of Commons to ask the minister about the issue of access to radiotherapy. You can read Martin's question and the minister's reply below.
Martin Vickers
Further to the exchanges about radiotherapy, I understand that the national figure for access to radiotherapy is 53%, which itself does not seem particularly high. However, the figure for my Brigg and Immingham constituency, which falls in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, is only 35%. Could the Minister give some assurance to my constituents about progress on increasing that figure, and when does she think we can reach the national average?
Ashley Dalton
Through the spending review, providers have been allocated £15 billion in operational capital for local priorities and £5 billion to support the return to constitutional standards on radiotherapy. Responsibility for purchasing new machines sits at local level, and we expect local systems to continue to invest in new machines to meet the ambitious targets and to meet their local needs.
