Brian Whittle MSP met Cancer Research UK scientists in Glasgow last week to learn about the charity’s world-class research in Scotland.
The MSP for South Scotland visited Cancer Research UK’s Beatson Institute where he witnessed first-hand the ground-breaking work being carried out by scientists and doctors.
Mr Whittle was able to see some of this pioneering work in action and find out how research such as this will help to save thousands of lives in the future.
Over 32,200 people in Scotland diagnosed with cancer every year. The good news is that more people are surviving the disease than ever before. Cancer survival rates in the UK have doubled in the last forty years and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.
The Beatson Institute is one of Cancer Research UK’s core-funded institutes. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the charity was able to invest more than £38 million into cancer research in Scotland, £27 million of which was committed to the pioneering research in Glasgow’s Beatson Institute.
Brian Whittle MSP said: “Cancer has a huge effect on families in South Scotland so it’s been fantastic to visit the Beatson Institute and hear more about how it is offering new hope to families across Scotland.
“The charity’s cutting-edge research is turning the tables on cancer. But it’s clear there is also a critical role for politicians to play in helping to help bring innovative new detection techniques and treatments to patients faster.”
Dr Jen Morton, Group Leader at Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute said: “I was delighted to be able to welcome Brian Whittle MSP to the Beatson Institute to show him some of the valuable work my team is undertaking. We’re immensely proud of the research that’s being done here to help beat cancer sooner.”
Gordon Matheson, Public Affairs Manager in Scotland at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer survival rates in Scotland have doubled in recent decades and today half of those diagnosed with cancer in Scotland will now survive for more than ten years.
“Medical research has been a vital part of this progress to date and is crucial to further improving outcomes for cancer patients. It is essential that the Scottish and UK governments continue to support medical research in Scotland’s universities and NHS. It is also important that people are supported to stop smoking and maintain a healthy weight so that they stack the odds of beating cancer in their favour."
