Leading a short debate on pancreatic cancer in the House of Lords recently during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Guy called on the Government to include early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in its 10 year cancer plan and to ensure more investment into this "horrible disease" which is the "least-survivable and quickest-killing cancer" with half of those diagnosed dying within three months of diagnosis.
He said: "This is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remember those who have died prematurely of this cruel and unforgiving disease, but also a time angrily to reflect on the shocking statistics that surround this least-survivable and quickest-killing cancer: three in five pancreatic cancers are diagnosed at a late stage—worse than any other cancer; half of those diagnosed die within three months—worse than any other cancer; almost 60% of people are diagnosed in A&E—worse than any other cancer. These statistics are shameful.
"Would the Minister tell us what has happened to the 10-year cancer plan, which is so vital in this area, and commit to a strategy within it to ensure early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer patients within 21 days of presenting with symptoms? Will he explain why there is so little investment in research in this area—just 3% of the total UK cancer research budget—when we vitally need a test to stop this horrible disease in its tracks"
ENDS
The full debate, including the Minister's reply, is here
