MSP joins cancer fight

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has been highlighting one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Ms Haughey attended an event at the Scottish Parliament last week marking the end of pancreatic cancer awareness month. The event, organised by Pancreatic Cancer UK and Pancreatic Cancer Scotland, heard from survivors of the cancer and the families of those who had died.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most severe forms of cancer, which just 4.6 per cent of people survive for five years or more in Scotland.

The disease killed 98 people from within the Lanarkshire health board area last year.

Ms Haughey said:“I was shocked to hear about the survival rates of pancreatic cancer yet it is not a cancer that we regularly hear about.

“It is a very cruel disease but early diagnosis can improve a patient’s chance of survival by giving them access to early treatment and I would urge anyone with worrying symptoms to go and see their GP.

“I am determined to spread awareness of the cancer and I was proud to join with the charities who make a real difference in helping those affected and their families.”

Diana Jupp, chief executive of Pancreatic Cancer UK, said:“We are delighted to have the support of Clare Haughey MSP in our effort to transform the future for everyone affected by pancreatic cancer.

“We were excited to be a part of the first ever parliamentary debate on the disease in Scotland recently and hope that this will be the start of real change.”