Hansard

This annual debate is important in reminding society of one of the greatest challenges that we face, which is finding a cure for cancer. I pay tribute to Cancer Research UK on its 20th birthday for everything that it has done over that time. Cancer survival rates have undoubtedly increased, which is no mean feat.

Every cancer survivor has a story to tell and can be an inspiration to others. The greatest part of their story is them going on to live the fullest possible life that they can.

Yesterday, I met Pancreatic Cancer UK and said that, once we are in an even better position regarding the global pandemic, I would like world Governments to re-double their efforts to find a cure for cancer. The pace of work and the finance that was provided globally to develop vaccines to deal with Covid-19 shows that, where there is a will there is a way. The vaccines are helping us to deal with Covid but, thus far, will not eradicate it. Who knows what the future will bring in that regard, but, in terms of cancer, which is a wide and varied illness, we know that, despite the magnificent efforts that have been made and the huge amount of money that has been spent over many years, the problem still has not been solved. That unfinished business shows how great the challenge is.

The motion highlights this year’s theme of closing the care gap. Members received various briefings for today’s debate. Macmillan Cancer Support told us:

“The most recent cancer incidence, cancer staging and cancer mortality statistics all show that if you live in a more deprived area, you are more likely to have cancer and for it to be diagnosed at a later stage, and you are more likely to die from your cancer.”

Jackie Baillie referred to the Macmillan support line. I will do that too. The more people who know that number, the better. The number is 0808 808 0000.

Macmillan also published analysis that showed that 87 per cent of people with cancer in Scotland experience some kind of financial impact caused by their diagnosis. For those affected, that reaches an average of £1,000 a month, on top of their usual expenditure. One in three people with cancer in Scotland are severely financially affected by their diagnosis, and more than three quarters of people with cancer, or 78 per cent, experience a loss of income.

As the MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, which has an industrial legacy as well as some of the most economically challenging areas in the country, as highlighted by our position with Scottish index of multiple deprivation data zones, I know that the challenge facing many of my constituents will be all too clear for many. In our industrial past, people faced many challenges over the years, particularly in relation to asbestos-related health matters. The Parliament has acted to help those people, and I look forward to the publication of the Scottish Law Commission discussion paper on damages for personal injury. A constituent has already written to me about that.

I certainly hope that that paper will provide the positive basis on which Parliament can provide greater services and support to people in the future. The past two years has affected every aspect of society and I welcome the introduction of the cancer plan “Recovery and Redesign: An Action Plan for Cancer Services”. Society clearly has a lot to catch up with as a consequence of the past two years, and the situation with cancer patients is no different.

Every MSP will have a close link or relationship with either a cancer survivor or someone who, sadly, lost their fight. Despite the pain and loss that cancer has brought, I am grateful for all the time and happy lifelong memories I have of all the great times and fun in those years.

For me, cancer is the challenge ahead and I know that if we can improve survival rates, we can ensure that many more people create many more memories and life-changing experiences. That is a fight worth fighting.