Today, the House of Commons has debated the Rare Cancers Bill, a private member's bill that aims to address the urgent needs of those diagnosed with rare cancers. The bill has garnered significant attention, particularly due to the heartfelt speech delivered by Mike Wood MP, who shared a deeply personal story about his Senior Parliamentary Assistant, Dan Horrocks.
Dan Horrocks, who has worked with Mike Wood since 2015, recently completed six weeks of radiotherapy. In his speech, Wood described the emotional toll of watching his friend and colleague battle an insidious disease. "I stand before you today, not just as a Member of this House, but as a friend, as someone who is deeply moved by the pain of seeing someone I care about, someone who has become like family, struggle against an insidious disease," Wood said.
Wood emphasized that the bill is more than just legislation; it is a lifeline for families who are watching their loved ones slip away. He highlighted the challenges faced by those with rare cancers, including the lack of investment from pharmaceutical companies and the limited availability of clinical trials. "Too often, those diagnosed with rare cancers are left stranded in a system that doesn’t have the answers," he noted.
Dan Horrocks' story is a poignant example of the struggles faced by many. A father, husband, and four-time cancer survivor, Dan has fought the disease for fourteen years. His journey began with headaches that were initially misdiagnosed by three GPs. It was only through the keen observation of an optician that his brain tumour was discovered. Since then, Dan has endured multiple surgeries, radiotherapy, and the devastating news that the cancer has spread to his spine.
Wood's speech underscored the urgency of the bill, which mandates a review of the Orphan Drugs Regulations, the creation of a National Specialty Lead to drive research and innovation, and the establishment of a registry service to connect patients with clinical trials. "This bill gives hope - a real chance - for families who are facing the unimaginable," Wood stated.
The Rare Cancers Bill is a call to action for all members of the House of Commons. "Cancer does not care about politics. It does not care what background you come from, your age, your gender or what party you belong to. It strikes indiscriminately. It takes what it wants, and it leaves devastation in its wake," Wood reminded his colleagues.
As the debate unfolds, the hope is that this bill will provide the necessary support and resources for those battling rare cancers, giving them and their families a fighting chance for a brighter future.
