The Rare Cancers Bill aims to drive desperately needed research into cancers that affect fewer than 1 in 2000 people in the UK. The second reading is first on the order paper on Friday 14 March.
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.