Bristol lawyer calls for change as she fights cancer and urges next Government to save more lives

She says that thanks to early diagnosis and to treatments discovered by Cancer Research UK, she is backing the charity’s Turning Point for Cancer campaign and she is calling for the next UK Government to help save more lives from cancer.

Underlining unacceptable cancer waiting times and an alarming £1bn gap in funding for life-saving research, Charlotte believes tackling the disease must be a top election priority for all political parties.

She is currently waiting to find out what surgery she needs following a shock diagnosis.

Her call comes as new analysis from the charity reveals around 210,000 people in the South West are projected to be diagnosed with cancer in the next five years.

Having marked her 30th birthday last month, Charlotte is sharing her story to highlight the importance of knowing your body and what feels right for you, no matter what age you are.

She said: “Cancer is the defining health issue of our time. So many people’s lives are touched by this devastating disease and the numbers are only growing. That is why we must make sure cancer is at the forefront of the minds of all future MPs.

“I am passionate about encouraging young people to have the confidence to go the GP when they have concerns. My message is for everyone to check yourself and don’t be afraid to see your doctor if you have any concerns and to be able to push for a referral if you think something isn’t right.”

She added: “I was blind-sided by my diagnosis. I didn’t know anyone with cancer and certainly didn’t know what to expect. The breast cancer nurse was lovely and gave me a lot of information and did say that it was treatable.

“I know I am going to have a mastectomy and possibly a double mastectomy as a preventative measure. I still have further treatment ahead of me and I didn’t expect to be marking my 30th year like this.

“But, research into better treatments and the incredible NHS have given me hope and more precious time. It’s a different story for many and so I’m determined to do everything I can to campaign to help others.”

Cancer Research UK’s calculations reveal that within five years, the next UK Government could help prevent around 550 deaths from the disease in the South West.

That’s if a long-term, fully-funded cancer strategy is rapidly rolled out after the election, along with measures to support research and better prevent, diagnose and treat the disease. With sustained progress, this could rise to around 3,100 deaths avoided in the region in a decade.

That’s why Charlotte is urging people across Bristol to call on their local parliamentary candidates to commit to transforming cancer survival by emailing them now at cruk.org/localcandidates.

She warns that analysis shows if current trends in cancer death rates continue, without action, the UK is at risk of collectively losing a staggering 13 million years of life to cancer in the first parliamentary term alone.

Charlotte believes she owes her life to Cancer Research UK after she was told she had a type of breast cancer that could be controlled by the drug Letrozole. The charity made significant contributions to advancing the use of this hormone treatment for breast cancer.

She added: “Stories like mine would not be possible without advances in research and treatment. So, it’s distressing to think how many friends, family and colleagues could be affected by the fall-out if we don’t speed up progress in the fight against cancer.

“With so many challenges and funding issues surrounding cancer research and care, it’s vital that saving lives comes before politics. When you hear those terrible words, “It’s cancer,” all you want to know is you – or your loved one – have the best possible chance of surviving. Whoever wins the general election, the next UK Government must help make this a reality for cancer patients everywhere.”

Charlotte is in good company with her campaigning efforts. Familiar faces from stage and screen, including actors Stephen Graham and Daisy Edgar-Jones, comedian John Bishop and TV presenter Alison Hammond have already lent their support.

Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the South West, Alison Birkett, said: “Nearly 1 in 2 people will get cancer in their lifetime. It affects every family, in every constituency. So, as political parties reach out to the country, there’s never been a better opportunity to come together and demand the action people affected by the disease so desperately need and deserve. This general election must be a turning point for cancer.

“We’re grateful to Charlotte for joining the groundswell of supporters, scientists and stars who are backing our campaign and hope her story will inspire people across the South West to have their say by emailing their local candidates.

“The entire cancer community is calling for the next UK Government to introduce a bold and long-term plan to prevent future cancers and improve survival.

"Urgent action to tackle the disease will mean more life-saving research, more people diagnosed and treated earlier, and ultimately, more people in the region living longer, better lives.” 

Back the Turning Point for Cancer campaign now at cruk.org/localcandidates