We are now a week away from the general election, which takes place on the 8th of June.
CRUK think cancer should be a key election topic.
Voters seem to agree, with health named as the top concern in a recent poll.
This is why CRUK are asking supporters to email their election candidates to make sure cancer remains a priority, and have put some of the manifestos under the microscope to see what they mean for cancer, research and patients.
1. Preventing cancer
CRUK knows that 4 in 10 cancer cases in the UK can be prevented, mainly through making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and keeping to a healthy weight.
CRUK are pleased to see Labour and the Lib Dems pledge to extend restrictions on junk food marketing – a measure supported by the Scottish National Party (SNP). This would have a big impact on children’s eating habits and cancer risk. It is encouraging to see the Conservatives and SNP commit to provide clearer food labelling to help consumers make more informed choices.
As tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of cancer, CRUK have been pushing to see a comprehensive tobacco control plan published. So it is good to see commitments from Labour and the Lib Dems to produce a plan to build on the progress that’s been made in reducing smoking levels.
In Wales, Plaid Cymru has set a target to save 10,000 lives over 10 years through public health and lifestyle changes.
2. Early and speedy diagnosis
The earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be treated successfully.
The 2015 Cancer Strategy for England estimates that 11,000 lives could be saved each year from early diagnosis.
Labour says it will continue to deliver the cancer strategy for England, and the Conservatives will bring in a new target to give cancer patients a definitive diagnosis within 28 days by 2020.
It is encouraging that Labour and the Lib Dems have said they will produce plans to address these issues so that we don’t see shortages in the number of doctors, nurses and other professionals. The Conservatives have said they will increase the number of students in medical training to 1,500 a year, with Plaid Cymru aiming to train and recruit 1,000 doctors and 5,000 nurses for the Welsh NHS in the next 10 years.
3. Treatment
Every patient should have access to the best, evidence-based treatment that is suitable for them.
CRUK have asked all parties to push ahead with the recommendations in the Accelerated Access Review (AAR), which would help new treatments get to patients sooner.
So it’s good to see that the Conservatives intend to go ahead with the recommendations in the AAR if they’re re-elected.
Labour has promised that all patients will get the most effective new drugs and treatments while insisting on value for money agreements with pharmaceutical companies.
Plaid Cymru wants to introduce a new Medicines and Fund to make sure everyone can get the medicines they need, no matter where they live in Wales. The SNP is calling on the UK government to stay part of the European Medicines Agency after ‘Brexit’ so that access to vital drugs is maintained.
4. ‘Brexit’ and the importance of science and research
Science is global and no single county or organisation is going to beat cancer on its own.
So CRUK are pleased to see commitments from the Conservatives to increase the number of scientists working in the UK, and an ambition to maintain the UK’s position as the European hub for life sciences. The SNP has also recognised how important it is to continue to take part in European clinical trials and data sharing.
Labour says it’ll meet the target of 3% of GDP to be spent on research and development by 2030. The Conservatives want to invest 2.4% of GDP in research and development, aiming for 3% as a future goal. The Lib Dems have promised to protect the science budget aiming to double innovation and research spending in the long term, while also wanting to allow high-skilled immigration support key areas of the economy.
The SNP also calls for the full reinstatement of the post-study visa scheme for international students.
Labour has said its system will be based on the economic needs of the country. The Conservatives have pledged to reduce net migration, at the same time as helping areas of the economy that have skills shortages (such as the NHS).
CRUK are pleased to see health and science high on the agenda for all parties in this general election.
Following the election, CRUK will work with MPs to make sure cancer remains a high priority for them.