Getting cancer on the political agenda. Tom Martin

Wed, Jul 12th 2017 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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Our speaker Tom Martin introduced himself as a campaign ambassador for Cancer Research UK (CRUK). He preferred the term political lobbyist as the aim is to persuade our politicians to support cancer research, prevention, early diagnosis and treatments. There are only 22 ambassadors in Scotland but three in SW Edinburgh.

Tom described his own cancer journey and stated that 40% of cancers are preventable mainly due to the effect of smoking, but there is also evidence that for some cancers obesity is a factor in causing them. In the 1950’s 60% of adults smoked and now it is 20%.

He outlined the influence that CRUK had had in persuading politicians to introduce the various anti-smoking measures that we are all now used to. CRUK had also had an influence in placing restrictions on the use of sunbeds to the under 18’s. The issue of obesity was more problematic as, although health is devolved to the Scottish Government, certain measures such as banning advertising of junk food, a sugar tax and better labelling of the calorific content of foods, is the responsibility of the UK government.

Tom outlined ways to help CRUK and also sounded a warning about Brexit as much of the research into cancer treatments is conducted by researchers from different countries collaborating.

There were some searching questions which Tom answered. The vote of thanks was given by Andy Howard.




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