World Cancer Day

Today, on World Cancer Day, we take a moment to reflect on the impact that cancer has on so many lives—including those in Cheadle. Almost everyone has been touched by cancer in some way, whether through personal experience or through family and friends. For me, it’s personal—my grandmother suffered from cancer, and I saw first-hand the incredible work of Macmillan nurses who supported her and our family during that difficult time.

Cancer should be a top priority for any Government, and the UK must lead the way in cancer research and treatment outcomes. Yet, the last Conservative Government broke its promise to deliver a 10-year cancer plan that could have transformed care and saved lives. That is simply not good enough.

Since being elected, I’ve made it my mission to fight for better cancer care. I’ve joined the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Less Survivable Cancers to help raise awareness of those cancers with the lowest survival rates. I’ve also supported campaigns like the Lobular Breast Cancer Moonshot, and I’ve backed parliamentary motions calling for improved cancer care, such as those highlighting the need for targeted research, better treatment access, and workforce investment.

In Cheadle, I’ve worked closely with local residents facing delays in cancer treatment, helping them access the care they need. But we need a national approach to truly make a difference. That’s why I’m backing my Liberal Democrat colleague Clive Jones in calling for a proper national cancer strategy. This should include a guarantee that 100% of patients will start treatment within 62 days of urgent referral, investment in radiotherapy machines, and more cancer nurses to ensure every patient has the support they need.

We must do better—and I will keep fighting for those affected by cancer in Cheadle and beyond.