Toby Perkins MP celebrated the past, present and future of research at a Cancer Research UK event in Westminster this week (Tuesday 29 March) to mark the charity’s 20th anniversary. 

Chesterfield and Staveley MP had the chance to meet with researchers working on the latest breakthroughs and campaigners helping to deliver change in their communities, alongside learning about the cutting-edge discoveries taking place on his doorstep. 

In the UK, survival has doubled in the last 40 years and today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least a decade. 

Toby said: “Over the years, the advances that have been made in the fight against the disease have been fantastic, and now more people than ever are surviving their cancer. But there’s further to go.  

“1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime. We all have a part to play to help beat it, because if the worst happens, we can help to save the lives of more people in Chesterfield and across the UK.”  

2022 is a special year for Cancer Research UK, as it marks 20 years since the charity was formed. However, its history goes back much further, to 1902, with the founding of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund – meaning its work has been at the heart of some of the biggest developments in cancer, including some of the most used cancer drugs around the world today. 

Shaun Walsh, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning at Cancer Research UK, said: “A big thank you to Toby for joining us to raise awareness in our 20th anniversary year. Every day we see the benefits of work we’ve previously funded being realised, helping people live longer and healthier lives. 

“Thanks to our supporters, partners, researchers, and staff, we will continue to fund ground-breaking research to reveal more of cancer’s secrets. By putting discovery at the heart of everything we do, and working with people around the world, we can make huge strides in our understanding of cancer and how to beat it.” 

For more information visit cruk.org.