Stuart Anderson MP has called on Health Secretary Wes Streeting to address the unequal access to cancer diagnosis and treatment in rural areas like South Shropshire.
In August 2025, only 68.5% of cancer patients in South Shropshire were treated within 62 days compared to the operational standard of 85%.
At the same time, the prevalence of cancer diagnosis in South Shropshire now stands at 6.4%. This is above both the national and regional average, which stand at 3.8% and 3.6% respectively.
64 radiotherapy machines in England this year passed their 10-year life span, according to Radiotherapy UK. This means that patients are now being treated using outdated kit. Replacing them could free up 87,500 appointments a year.
Subsequently, Stuart has urged the government to address these issues in the upcoming National Cancer Plan. The Plan is expected to be published later this year, following a consultation which closed in April.
Stuart's call for action comes at the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which concludes with Wear It Pink Day on Friday, 24th October 2025.
The campaign, which is run by Breast Cancer Now, encourages people to wear pink to work, school, or anywhere else and donate to fund breast cancer research and support services.
In Parliament, Stuart recently met with representatives from the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign. It was founded in 1992 by the late Evelyn H. Lauder with the launch of the iconic Pink Ribbon.
As part of his plan to enhance public services in South Shropshire, Stuart has been campaigning for better investment to address rural disparities in healthcare - including when it comes to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
In August, Stuart visited Cancer Research UK's shop in Bridgnorth to thank staff and volunteers for their inspiring work. Across the country, the charity's volunteers have collectively given 2.5 million hours of their time.
As part of his campaign, Stuart has also called for a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund and for more Community Diagnostic Hubs (CDCs) in rural areas like South Shropshire.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close with Wear It Pink Day on Friday 24th October, I am inspired by how many people have organised events, fundraised, and thrown a spotlight on the urgency for action on this issue. Sadly, the prevalence of cancer diagnosis in South Shropshire stands at above both the national and regional average. At the same time, only 68.5% of local cancer patients were treated within 62 days compared to the operational standard of 85%. As part of my campaign, I have called for more Community Diagnostic Centres in rural areas and a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund, after it emerged that local patients must travel 45 miles to access treatment in Birmingham. I am committed to enhancing public services across South Shropshire, including our community hospitals. Having recently welcomed the news that Shropshire will become home to one of the first neighbourhood health services, I am campaigning to ensure that our community hospitals are at the heart of plans to make this a reality."
