South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called for an urgent investigation into Cumbria’s high rates of stomach cancer.
His call to action comes after North West Cancer Research published a report on the North West of England and Wales’ cancer rates, which found rates of stomach cancer rates to be the worst , at 72 per cent higher than the rest of the country.
In addition to this, cancer rates were also found in general to be higher than any other North West county and were 18% higher than the overall national average.
Mr Farron, who represents Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “I am urgently asking the Secretary of State for Health to investigate why rates are so high.
“What I am demanding is for expert research to be done now.”
“If there are any other underlying reasons then we need to know them so we can take action in our own lives and address what that root cause might be.”
The MP explained that 35% of people in Cumbria do not get treatment within the first two months of being diagnosed with the disease, with waiting times and long travel distances being the key causes of this delay.
He added: “It deeply troubles me. Lives are being lost because of the government’s failure to invest in cancer services.
“The government needs to take into account the rural nature of our area. Two linear accelerants (LINAC’s) at the Westmoreland General Hospital in Kendal and a satellite radiotherapy unit in Carlisle would slash waiting times and save lives.”
