I fully sympathise with those affected by any form of blood cancer and recognise the profound impact of these diseases on individuals and their loved ones.
The previous Government was committed to improving patient outcomes in all types of cancer, including blood cancers. The NHS Long Term Plan established the goal of 75 per cent of people being diagnosed with cancer at an early stage by 2028. In the meantime, the last Government also created 160 new community diagnosis centres (CDCs), providing scans and cancer checks.
I recognise the challenge set by charities like Leukaemia UK to increase research into leukaemia and make innovative treatments like CAR-T Therapy more widely available. It is important that the new Government continues work to implement the headline commitments of the O’Shaughnessy Review into commercial clinical trials. At the recent election, I stood on a manifesto that committed to reducing obstacles to the use of new treatments in the NHS like the NHS Budget Impact Test.
I fully acknowledge that there is more work to be done. Through improved diagnosis and early detection, novel treatments, and research, I hope that patients with these conditions in the future have the best possible diagnosis, treatment, and care. I also welcome campaigns and opportunities to raise awareness of these diseases.
There is excellent existing information and support available from patient groups. I would be happy to signpost to the useful information and support to patients living with leukaemia such as that provided by Blood Cancer UK, Leukaemia UK, and Leukaemia Care.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
