MP backs campaign for faster treatment for people with quickest killing cancer

Local MP Tim Farron has pledged his support to a campaign demanding faster treatment for people with pancreatic cancer.

One in four patients with the disease die within a month of diagnosis making it the quickest killing cancer.

39 people in Cumbria are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year but tragically only 3 on average will survive beyond five years.

At the launch of Pancreatic Cancer UK's 'Demand Faster Treatment' campaign, Tim heard that if avoidable delays to treatment were removed many more pancreatic cancer patients could be eligible for surgery - the only current cure for the disease.

The charity is calling for the Government and devolved administrations to set a new ambition to begin treatment for all pancreatic cancer patients across the UK within 20 days of diagnosis by 2024.

Tim said: "The current situation is unacceptable and much more needs to be done to improve the outcomes for people with this deadly disease.

"I hope everyone in the South Lakes will join me in backing this campaign to transform the future for people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and help them receive treatment before it is too late."

To sign Pancreatic Cancer UK's petition for faster treatment, go here.