World Cancer Day 2024: Ovarian Cancer Action take parliament for #CatchUpWithCancer
At Ovarian Cancer Action, we want all women to survive ovarian cancer. We’re determined to make sure every woman gets the treatment they need when they need it.
That’s why on Wednesday we went to the Houses of Parliament, to call on the Government and opposition parties to drastically reduce waiting times for cancer patients.
Alongside Radiotherapy UK and 20 other cancer charities, we lobbied for the prioritisation of the cancer health emergency for World Cancer Day.
Radiology UK’s #CatchUpWithCancer event brought together leading clinicians, cancer specialists, and cancer charities ahead of the next General Election.
The goal was to serve a reminder that cancer remains our most pressing health emergency and, as such, deserves focus as part of the political agenda.
Women’s lives are being lost while they wait with unacceptable delays to start their treatment. Waiting time targets haven’t been met for almost a decade, and worst of all, gynae cancer waiting times have grown 60% since the Covid pandemic. This is crucial for women with ovarian cancer today, so we had to get involved
Calling for change
The Ovarian Cancer Action team spoke to a number of MPs throughout the day – highlighting the devastating impact that the growing cancer wait times has on ovarian cancer patients.
Ovarian cancer symptoms often present in the later stages of ovarian cancer, and are often misdiagnosed as other, less threatening illnesses. It is vital that patients are seen, diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
The discussions we had were positive, with many MPs praising the campaign and cause. A number of MPs pledged their commitment to improving the cancer care gap.
Whilst the cancer charities in attendance all have individual goals, there’s one thing we can all unite on – cancer care has to be a political priority in order for change to happen.
We're striving for a future where all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer to live beyond 10 years – which can only be achieved if the government brings focus to this health emergency.
Progress has been made over last 30 years, but it’s not enough.
Making a difference every day
Events like this, and the campaigning we do to make ovarian cancer top of the agenda, will hopefully change the outcome for all who face a cancer journey.
With your support, we can continue to campaign to make ovarian cancer a disease that all women survive.