I am backing the campaign to raise awareness of blood cancer and put it at the forefront of the Government’s cancer plans.
Since September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, I attended an event organised by the blood cancer research charity Bloodwise at Westminster Hall where I heard about the issues that face people with blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma and spoke to patients about their experiences.
Blood cancers are the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK and the third biggest cause of cancer death in the UK. Over 40,000 people are diagnosed with a blood cancer or related blood disorder each year in the UK.
Despite being a common cancer killer, awareness of blood cancers among the general public and policy makers is low. It was really insightful to hear from people directly affected by blood cancers and to understand more about how care can be improved.
For more information on blood cancers visit www.bloodwise.org.uk