Gavin Newlands MP learns how research can beat cancer sooner

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, met Cancer Research UK scientists in Glasgow last week to learn about the charity’s world class research in Scotland.

The MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North visited the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute where he witnessed first-hand the groundbreaking research being carried out by scientists and doctors, and heard how research such as this will help to save lives.

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK was able to spend more than £24 million in Glasgow last year on world- leading scientific and clinical research.

The charity announced a further £10 million investment in Glasgow in March, to develop new treatments for pancreatic cancer. Led by Professor Andrew Biankin at the University of Glasgow, the PRECISION-Panc project aims to develop personalised treatments for pancreatic cancer patients, improving the options and outcomes for a disease where survival rates have remained stubbornly low.

Gavin Newlands MP said: “Like everywhere in Scotland, cancer has a huge effect on families in Renfrewshire, so it has been extremely worthwhile to visit the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute and hear more about how its research is offering new hope to families here and across Scotland.

“Every day, around 86 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland and facilities like the one at the Beatson Institute will help us beat cancer sooner.”

Matt Davies, Head of Public Affairs at Cancer Research UK, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for Gavin Newlands MP to see the value in investing in research.

“Half of people diagnosed with cancer now survive, but half is not enough. At Cancer Research UK, we are working to accelerate progress so that 3 in 4 survive cancer by 2034. In order to achieve our ambition it is crucial that the Government continues to encourage and support research.

“Whilst we receive no government funding, political support is vital to ensure our work can continue to lead to ground-breaking discoveries that will benefit patients in the Scotland and beyond.”