Christine Jardine MP has backed a campaign to raise awareness of blood cancer and put it at the forefront of cancer plans.
Ms Jardine attended an event held by blood cancer research charity Bloodwise to hear about issues facing people with blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma and spoke to patients about their experiences.
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. 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.
The Edinburgh West MP said: “Despite being a common cancer killer, awareness of blood cancers is low. That is why being able to hear from people directly affected by blood cancers and to understand how care can be improved across the UK is incredibly important.”
Gemma Peters, CEO of Bloodwise said: ‘\”We are delighted that Christine Jardine is supporting our campaign to raise awareness of blood cancer. As 1 in 19 are affected by blood cancer it is vital that blood cancer is central to the Government’s cancer plans going forward.”
For more information on blood cancers visit www.bloodwise.org.uk
