Meeting of the Parliament 21 November 2018
I say a big thank you to Clare Adamson for bringing the debate to the Parliament. Situated as it is in the middle of pancreatic cancer awareness month, the debate is timely and very important. Unfortunately, I am going to say a few things that have already been said, but the points could do with as much emphasis as possible. Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Scotland. Sadly, of the 20 most common cancers in Scotland and the UK, it has the lowest survival rate. Survival from the disease has hardly improved since the 1970s and, very sadly, one in four will pass away one month after diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer receives only 1.9 per cent of the annual UK cancer research budget for all the different types of cancer. The charity Pancreatic Cancer UK emphasises that that has resulted in a lack of breakthroughs in understanding the disease better and a lack of new developments. It is an extremely serious and fast-killing disease, and we need to do everything in our power to tackle it.
Charities are critical in the fight. One example that has been mentioned already is the future leaders academy at the Cancer Research UK Beatson institute, which is based in my constituency of Glasgow Anniesland and in Bearsden in Milngavie. A substantial grant of £625,000 is funding four years of research that is focused specifically on pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic Cancer UK has recruited five PhD students to conduct the research. The research provides a basis for hope that there will be vital breakthroughs in understanding and treating the disease. By deepening the scientific understanding of how the cancer grows and resists current treatments, there is potential for the research to show ways of targeting those two processes, which could enable the development of treatments that slow down or even halt the disease. Alongside that line of research, the team is also looking into ways to wake up the body’s immune systems to help it fight the disease.
Aside from that boost to research, public awareness of the disease and of prevention is vital. Cancer Research UK reports that 31 per cent of pancreatic cancer cases are preventable, which emphasises the importance of public awareness.
ASH Scotland highlights that smoking causes 22 per cent of pancreatic cancer cases and that the risk doubles among people who smoke. However, after someone stops smoking, the risk decreases over time. Research shows a correlation of higher rates of cancer among poorer communities. As smoking is more prevalent in poorer areas, it is particularly important that health professionals inform people who are living in such areas about the risks. The message needs to reach everyone. It is important that Scotland changes the way in which we respond to cancer, by adopting healthy lifestyles. We should all take that on board.
We must hold on to the knowledge that investment into research will provide medical breakthroughs. The boost to research that is happening in Glasgow provides hope that the devastating statistics that we have heard will be turned around. Beyond that, the work that is done daily by charities to provide emotional, practical and financial support to people who are affected by cancer gives people dignity and a lifeline amid what must be one of the most difficult things that they and their loved ones have had to face.
I close by asking those who are listening to consider giving to pancreatic cancer charities. Whether it is a one-off donation or a monthly payment, every pound that is donated will go towards saving lives and giving hope.
18:22