Local Lib Dem commits to beat cancer

4.51.59pm GMT Wed 24th Feb 2010

Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate Stuart Bonar endorses Cancer Research UK's Cancer Commitment

Stuart Bonar, Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Plymouth Moor View has joined hundreds of candidates across the country in signing up to Cancer Research UK's Cancer Commitment, aiming to make UK cancer outcomes among the best in Europe in the next ten years.

Stuart said: "The fight against cancer is an issue that is personally very important to me. I am very pleased to pledge my support for Cancer Research UK's vital campaign. With concerted effort, we can give hope to the millions of people affected by cancer and their friends and family."

More than one in three people in Plymouth will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. In the last 30 years, the UK's 10-year survival rates have doubled but cancer survival rates still lag behind the best performing countries in Europe such as Sweden, Norway and Finland. Cancer Research UK is calling on parliamentary candidates to commit now that if they are elected, they will help make cancer outcomes for patients in the UK among the best in Europe in a decade.

The Cancer Commitment calls on MPs in the next Parliament to take action in five key areas:

• Detecting cancer earlier

• Providing world class treatment

• Preventing more cancers

• Tackling cancer inequalities

• Protecting the UK's research base

Jon Spiers, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning at Cancer Research UK, said "To consign today's cancer challenges to tomorrow's history books, we must act now. Our thousands of scientists and our millions of supporters are hoping to see MPs in the next Parliament step up to the challenge."

For information on Cancer Research UK's Commit To Beat Cancer campaign, visit: www.CommitToBeatCancer.org