MP information: Rare Cancers Bill Third Reading
MPs are urged to RSVP to attend the third reading of the Rare Cancers Bill, Friday 11 July and download a briefing. An amendment has now been tabled which means we need 40 MPs to attend the debate to ensure the Bill continues to progress.
The Rare Cancers Bill aims to drive desperately needed research into cancers that affect fewer than 1 in 2000 people in the UK. The third reading is on Friday 11 July.
Half of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK today die within three months. Currently just 3% of annual UK research spending on cancer is invested in pancreatic cancer. People with the deadliest common cancer deserve better.
This Bill could represent a significant breakthrough for people affected by pancreatic cancer and other rare cancers, finally bringing them the attention and investment they deserve.
If put into law, the Rare Cancers Bill would encourage greater focus on research for rare cancers. The law would:
- Ensure there’s a named lead in government with a responsibility to support research and innovation for these cancers.
- Ensure patients can get better access to and find out about relevant research and clinical trials.
- Place a duty on the Government to review (and potentially strengthen) “Orphan Drug Regulations” which incentivise research into rare diseases.