CANCER Research Ambassador Graham Bushnell-Wye is urging people to ask their Parliamentary candidates to back a major campaign.

Graham, from Barnton, is seeking support from their candidates for the Cancer Research UK’s campaign Cross Cancer Out in the run-up to the General Election.

“We have all no doubt witnessed the devastating impact of cancer on people’s lives whether from first-hand experience or seeing a friend or family member suffer deteriorating health,” said Graham, who is a Cancer Research Campaigns Ambassador.

“Statistics show there is a 50 per cent chance of being diagnosed with cancer of one type or another at some point in our lives.

“They also show that, whereas 40 years ago only one in four survived this dreadful affliction, there is now a two in four chance of survival. Crucially, early diagnosis is a key factor followed by prompt and appropriate treatment.”

He said Cancer Research UK was determined that further advances be made to beat cancer sooner and reach a figure of three in four surviving by raising public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, increasing participation in screening programmes and providing equal access to radiotherapy, surgery and effective drugs including those targeted at patients tumours.

“This goal is achievable, but only through political action and commitment to back appropriate measures to ensure people with cancer receive the best available treatment irrespective of postcode and get diagnosed early enough for that treatment to make a difference,” he said.

“During election campaigns we tend to focus our attention on the things that are important to us which is why the NHS is so often in the headlines.

“If the next government is to save more lives surely beating cancer sooner should be a key priority.

“As a Cancer Research Campaigns Ambassador I urge everyone to ask their parliamentary candidates to commit to Cancer Research UK’s Cross Cancer Out campaign in the run-up to the General Election.

“For those with computer access this can easily be done by visiting www.cruk.org/crosscancerout, where it is possible to email all your candidates directly as it only takes a few minutes.”