Rishi called at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Northallerton, highlighting the crucial role the charity plays in addressing regional cancer inequalities.
The MP for Richmond and Northallerton met employees and volunteers who run the shop in the High Street and local people who have been affected by cancer and now help raise funds to bring the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment to Yorkshire.
People in Yorkshire are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than in most other parts of England. In rural areas, challenges such as limited access to healthcare, travel difficulties, occupational constraints and fewer opportunities to participate in research can lead to delayed diagnoses and lower survival rates.
Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research said: “I was delighted to welcome Rishi to the charity’s Northallerton shop. His interest underscores the importance of the charity’s mission to find new cancer cures and treatments and bring them to people in Yorkshire, and beyond.
“Collectively, with the support of volunteers and fundraisers across the region, we are driving meaningful change. However, it is critical that the Government takes notice of the unique issues affecting Yorkshire’s diverse communities and tailors its upcoming 10 Year Health Plan and National Cancer Plan to address regional disparities.”
Rishi also spoke to world-leading prostate cancer expert James Catto, Professor of Urology at the University of Sheffield and Honorary Consultant Urological Surgeon at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Professor Catto is leading a multimillion-pound clinical trial funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research called IMProVE, which aims to gather evidence to help introduce a national screening programme for prostate cancer.
Rishi said: “I’m delighted that Yorkshire Cancer Research is funding this clinical trial led by Professor Catto. The evidence gathered should assist our wider efforts to introduce a national screening programme for this disease.
“We need it in Yorkshire more than most. Men in Yorkshire are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer than men living in London. Nearly a quarter (23%) of men in Yorkshire have advanced cancer when they are diagnosed, compared to 15% in the capital.”
Among the volunteers who met Rishi was Helen Gardiner, Treasurer of the charity’s Vale Volunteer Group, which has raised £200,000 for pioneering research since it was formed in 2006.
Helen became passionate about improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Yorkshire after her sister and mother sadly passed away from ovarian cancer.
Helen’s father-in-law was also treated for prostate cancer, and she says he would “probably not be here today” had he not pursued a diagnosis through private healthcare.
Helen has welcomed both the IMProVE trial and another clinical trial funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research called PROTECT-C, which is exploring how genetic screening can be introduced to identify people at high risk of hereditary cancers.
Helen, who lives in the Northallerton area, said: “Local communities around the country have different issues when it comes to cancer, so it’s vital that we have regional charities that can identify these nuances and address them.
“Yorkshire Cancer Research is helping to bring to the fore the particular needs of Yorkshire. This is important for the north of England and particularly for rural settings, which often miss out on the latest research and developments.”
The IMProVE trial, led in partnership with Professor Peter Sasieni CBE at Queen Mary University of London, is investigating whether a prostate screening programme that combines blood tests with MRI scans could save lives and if so, how it can be organised to reduce health inequalities.
In Yorkshire, 4,000 men are told they have prostate cancer each year, with more than half being diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment options are more limited. People in some communities are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at a late stage and are less likely to be tested for it.
Rishi recently joined Prostate Cancer Research as an ambassador, to champion the charity's campaign for the introduction of a national screening programme for high-risk men.
Oliver Kemp, Chief Executive Officer at Prostate Cancer Research, said "Early detection of prostate cancer is crucial for saving men’s lives but data shows that many men face a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to accessing PSA testing. We need a national screening programme targeted at men at high risk of prostate cancer to be introduced as soon as possible so that more men have access to testing, regardless of where they live, and ultimately save lives across the country.
Yorkshire Cancer Research is doing incredible work to address the cancer inequalities faced by the people of Yorkshire and combat the postcode lottery of prostate cancer diagnosis and survival. The IMProVE trial is a hugely important step towards a wider national screening programme and more equitable healthcare for all men."
The Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Northallerton first opened in 1965 and has recently relocated to the heart of the town’s High Street.
The shop not only helps generate income to fund vital research and pioneering new services but is also a thriving community hub that unites people affected by cancer.
