Cancer survival rates: Lib Dems will put giving UK among best cancer survival rates at heart of priorities

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to research that shows the UK as lagging 10 to 15 years behind some other countries for cancer survival rates, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

"Cancer is a devastating disease and I know from my own personal experience after losing both my parents to it, the tragic impacts that it can have. We must go further and faster to spare more families the intense pain and suffering that cancer can cause in the coming years.

"That is why the Liberal Democrats have put bringing UK cancer survival rates in line with the best in the world at the heart of our priorities. This needs to be done on two fronts. We must reduce the unacceptably long delays for cancer treatment and make the UK a world leader in research to tackle this awful disease.

"This is a challenge that I know our great country can rise to. By working together, through our fantastic NHS to our cutting-edge scientists, we can rectify this horrific situation and take the UK to the top of the global league table for cancer survival rates."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Reported here.