Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, has spoken in a debate on Childhood Cancer outcomes on Tuesday 26 April 2022.
This was an important and hugely significant debate, ensuring the stories and voices of children and young people with cancer, and their families, were heard.
Childhood cancer is the number killer in children aged 0-14 years, with seven young people diagnosed with cancer every day. Approximately 1 in 280 children are diagnosed with childhood cancer and 1 in 2 suffer from severe long-term side effects which have devastating impact on their lives, leading to early deaths.
Yet Under 4% of funds raised for cancer research and treatment are directed towards childhood cancer. It is vitally important that childhood cancer is properly recognised, and appropriate measures are taken to help our children.
There are many families in Wealden that are impacted by childhood cancer, including in Mayfield, Crowborough and Forest Row. Nusrat has previously convened meeting with the Chair of the Health Select Committee and former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to discuss opportunities for working with Parliamentary and Ministerial colleagues to spread awareness, call for more genetic testing and research and secure more funding.
During the debate, Nusrat said: “I was surprised to learn that only 4% of funds raised for cancer research and treatment are directed towards childhood cancer and that children, unfortunately, are receiving treatment for adult bodies. It all requires greater investment, which is obviously something that the Minister can respond to. As my hon. Friend has, I have had many cases in my constituency, particularly in Crowborough, Mayfield and Forest Row.”
