I share the concern that the UK is lagging behind the rest of the world when it comes to tackling pancreatic cancer, ranking 29th out of 33 countries with comparable data.  It is the deadliest common cancer in the UK, with mortality rates barely improving in 40 years.

I therefore agree with Pancreatic Cancer UK and the Health and Social Care Committee’s March report, that less survivable cancers, including pancreatic cancer, should be a priority for the Government’s new 10-Year Cancer Plan.  We should try to close the survival gap between the different cancers.

I have written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, using a letter provided by Pancreatic Cancer UK.  I have posted a copy of this letter below for you to see.

I will also work with Pancreatic Cancer UK to try to arrange a meeting between them and a Minister from the Department of Health and Social Care to discuss the need to prioritise pancreatic cancer.