Last week I attended a Cancer Research UK reception in Parliament where I had a chance to meet up with the charity’s dedicated volunteer Campaign Ambassadors.

Over the course of this Parliament, two million people will be diagnosed with cancer across the UK, and Cancer Research UK has asked for support in order to continue to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Cancer survival in the UK is still lagging behind other countries and too many cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when they are harder to treat successfully. In the Newport East constituency there are around 3500 cancer cases per year, and 1600 cancer deaths.

We must not underestimate the devastating impact cancer will have on people in Newport East now and in the future, so it gives me hope to hear that Cancer Research UK’s pioneering research is turning the tables on the disease. The outlook for new and better cancer treatments in the UK is bright. However, it is clear that there is a critical role for politicians to play in supporting the work of charities like Cancer Research UK helping to prevent and detect cancer earlier and bring innovative new treatments to patients faster.

One life lost to this terrible disease is one too many and that’s why I’m supporting Cancer Research UK in their mission to beat cancer sooner.

Matt Davies, Cancer Research UK’s Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning said: “At Cancer Research UK, we’re resolute in our ambition to see 3 in 4 patients surviving cancer by 2034. To achieve this we need cancer at the top of the political agenda. Survival in the UK has doubled in the last 40 years, but there’s still so much more to do and we cannot do it alone. Creating the right environment for cancer research alongside cancer prevention, early diagnosis and ensuring patients have access to the best possible treatments must be key priorities for the new Government.”