Liberal Democrats commit to action on the less survivable cancers – our response

Today, the Liberal Democrats’ leader Ed Davey MP has announced a new commitment to introducing a Cancer Survival Research Act, which would ringfence research funding for pancreatic and the other less survivable cancers.

Diana Jupp, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK said:

“We hugely welcome the Liberal Democrats’ announcement today calling for a Cancer Survival Research Act, which would ringfence research funding for pancreatic and the other less survivable cancers. We’ve been calling for this for some time, and are pleased to see a party finally giving pancreatic cancer the attention it needs.  

Half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of their diagnosis, and only 7% survive more than five years. This has barely changed in fifty years – and one of the reasons why is a historic lack of research funding.  

We know greater investment in research funding is a key part of driving improvements in survival. That’s why we believe this commitment to passing a Cancer Survival Research Act, which would require the government to coordinate and guarantee funding for research into cancers with the lowest survival rates, could be a real gamechanger for people with pancreatic cancer.  

We’re also delighted to see the Liberal Democrats’ calls for a new legal right for cancer patients to start treatment faster, and better treatment and care for people with cancer. 

This is the first time a UK-wide political party has publicly committed to specific measures to improve outcomes for the less survivable cancers, including pancreatic cancer. It’s fantastic to see people with these cancers finally getting the attention they desperately need.  

We now need to see all political parties make this commitment, so that whoever wins the next General Election, people with pancreatic cancer are not left behind.”