Saturday 4th February is World Cancer Day, a day to help raise awareness of and take action to tackle cancer. This World Cancer Day, Martin Whitfield MSP is joining colleagues in pledging his support for the life-saving research funded by Cancer Research UK.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Scotland, with around 16,200 people dying of cancer every year. Around 33,200 people are diagnosed with cancer each year – this is expected to rise to over 40,000 cases per year.

Thanks to research, 1 in 2 people survive their cancer for 10 years or more. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to speed up progress and see 3 in 4 people surviving the disease by 2034.

Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest independent cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research and in 2021/22 invested over £33 million in research in Scotland.

It is also at the heart of communities across Scotland, with around 80 high street shops which raised £13.4million in 2021/22 thanks to its volunteers. Annual fundraising events such as Race for Life also bring together the charity’s supporters to help beat cancer.

Speaking about his support for the charity’s work, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Cancer Research UK undertakes vital research to help save and improve the lives of people with cancer. Thanks to research, 1 in 2 people in Scotland now survive their cancer for 10 years or more but we still have a long way to go. 

“I’m proud to support CRUK’s work on World Cancer Day and pledge my support for its life-saving research. That’s why I’m encouraging people to get their Unity Band to help CRUK save and improve more lives through its research.”

Pick up your #UnityBand in your local CRUK shop or online at https://shop.cancerresearchuk.org/fundraising-merchandise/world-cancer-day.