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Henry Smith

Member of Parliament for Crawley

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Blood Cancer

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Blood Cancer

It was my honour to set up and be elected to chair the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Blood Cancer in June 2016, and to be re-elected to this position in July 2017.

In this role I’ve worked closely with charities including Bloodwise, and liaised with medical professionals, Government ministers as well as patients and their support groups. This is a personal issue for me and one which has affected my own family and others in Crawley, I’m grateful to local residents who have shared their own experiences with me.

In January 2018 our Group launched its first report, entitled ‘The ‘Hidden’ Cancer: The Need to Improve Blood Cancer Care’. This coincided with a debate in Westminster Hall which I secured for the same day, on the issue of blood cancer care in the NHS.

The report makes a number of recommendations including that GPs should immediately request a blood test for anyone presenting with one or more symptoms of blood cancer. These can be vague, with patients often reporting general fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, or bruising, all of which can be mistaken for other, less serious conditions such as being run down or flu.

Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK and this country’s third biggest cancer killer. There are currently an estimated 240,000 people in the UK living with blood cancers, which include leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Research from Bloodwise, who also provide secretariat support for the Group, has shown that public awareness of blood cancer is low and that patients often feel isolated and believe these cancers are seen as ‘separate’ from other cancers.

This is a cause I’ve raised with Theresa May at Prime Minister’s Questions, and one which I’m continuing to pursue. In November 2018, I secured and led a House of Commons debate where I called for improvements in support for issues affecting blood cancer patients including access to treatments, mental health provision and GP services.

In January 2019, following the publication of the NHS Long-Term Plan, I questioned the Health & Social Care Secretary about the importance of continuing to work with charities and the wider voluntary sector to deliver improved outcomes for patients.

In October 2019 the Group launched its latest inquiry looking into genomic medicine in blood cancer. This is to investigate the promises and challenges and what needs to happen in order to ensure maximum benefits are realised to those affected.

News

Henry Smith MP welcomes approval of Community Diagnostic Centre to improve cancer care in Crawley

Wednesday, 7 December, 2022

Henry Smith MP has welcomed confirmation that the Government has approved Crawley as the location of a new Community Diagnostic Centre, which will see patients benefit from quicker access to treatment and lifesaving diagnostic tests close to home.

Henry Smith MP celebrates community’s efforts to save the lives of people with blood cancer

Henry Smith MP celebrates community’s efforts to save the lives of people with blood cancer

Monday, 31 October, 2022

Henry Smith MP took part in an event in Parliament to celebrate the nation’s potential stem cell donors on the Anthony Nolan register and raise awareness of the urgent need to diversify the stem cell register.

Henry Smith MP welcomes end of Covid-19 restrictions and asks Prime Minister about targeted support

Monday, 21 February, 2022

Henry Smith MP has welcomed the ending of Coronavirus Act restrictions and has asked the Prime Minister in Parliament about targeted support for those who are immunosuppressed and immunocompromised. 21 February 2022.

Henry Smith MP highlights importance of blood cancer diagnosis and treatment

Monday, 7 February, 2022

Henry Smith MP has welcomed record levels of NHS funding and has called for diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers to be a priority for the Rapid Diagnostic Centres which are being rolled out. 7 February 2022.

Looking ahead to 2022

Monday, 27 December, 2021

Henry Smith MP column, Crawley Observer, 29 December 2021.

The importance of vaccines has been more apparent over the last year than any other period in living memory

The importance of vaccines has been more apparent over the last year than any other period in living memory

Monday, 11 October, 2021

Henry Smith MP column, Crawley Observer, 13 October 2021.

World Lymphoma Awareness Day: Henry Smith MP urges increased awareness for people living with rare blood cancers

World Lymphoma Awareness Day: Henry Smith MP urges increased awareness for people living with rare blood cancers

Wednesday, 15 September, 2021

Henry Smith MP is raising awareness for rare blood cancers as part of World Lymphoma Awareness Day (15th September) such as Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, also known as skin lymphomas.

Launching an inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on blood cancer services

Launching an inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on blood cancer services

Friday, 28 May, 2021

Henry Smith MP column, Crawley Observer, 2 June 2021.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2020

Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2020

Tuesday, 29 September, 2020

Henry Smith MP PoliticsHome article.

Standing up for people with blood cancer in Parliament

Standing up for people with blood cancer in Parliament

Monday, 7 September, 2020

Henry Smith MP column, Crawley Observer, 9th September 2020.

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Henry Smith Member of Parliament for Crawley

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