Mark is supporting a campaign to improve services for the two million cancer survivors living in the UK.

He gave his backing to the call for more support for cancer survivors at a recent House of Commons reception hosted by Macmillan Cancer Support.

The cancer charity is looking to raise awareness of the difficulties cancer patients face in getting their lives back after a life-threatening disease.

Many survivors experience emotional problems, side effects such as severe fatigue or memory loss, or find it hard to get back to work, pay the bills or start a family.  

Mark said:  
“There are two million people living in the UK today who have had a cancer diagnosis and this number is rising by 3 per cent every year.  They will live with the disease or the consequences of their treatment for the rest of their lives.

“That’s why health and social care services need to start doing more to support this growing population and why I’m backing Macmillan’s campaign to help the two million cancer survivors in the UK get their lives back.”

Ciarán Devane, Macmillan’s Chief Executive, spoke at the event which was attended by over 150 MPs, peers, cancer policy makers and charities.

He said: “Cancer survivors tell Macmillan they feel abandoned after treatment and need more support.  We are delighted that so many MPs are committed to working with us to improve the quality of life of people living with or after cancer.  Cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence but it shouldn’t be a life sentence either.”

Ann Keen MP, Minister for Cancer Services, also spoke at the event and announced £1.6 million of new funding to explore how health and social care services can be improved for cancer survivors.
 
To find out more about Macmillan Cancer Support, contact Macmillan’s helpline on 0800 500 800 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk