MP backs cancer education bid
Washington MP Sharon Hodgson went back to school recently to learn the importance of cancer education.
The MP for Washington and Sunderland West attended a Teenage Cancer Trust event at Portcullis House to show her support for making cancer education a key part of statutory health education in secondary schools.
The event took place after the Department for Education’s publication of new proposals that will see a mandatory programme of relationships, sex education and health education delivered in schools. Teenage Cancer Trust is concerned that this draft guidance currently misses out crucial information about cancer.
Sharon is supporting the charity in its call for more detailed cancer information on the curriculum that will educate young people about the types of cancer likely to affect them and how to spot the signs and symptoms to give them the best possible opportunity to get an early diagnosis.
Sharon said: “As Shadow Minister for Public Health, I was delighted to attend this Teenage Cancer Trust event and to show my support for the charity’s call to put cancer education at the heart of new health education proposals in schools.
“I urge the Minister of State for School Standards, Nick Gibb MP to take on board the recommendations from Teenage Cancer Trust and make cancer education a stronger focus in schools.”
Sasha Daly, Head of Policy at Teenage Cancer Trust said: “Cancer, whilst rare in young people compared to adults, is still the biggest killer of young people by disease. ”
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to providing expert care and support for young people with cancer every day.