Sarcoma UK welcomes the passing of Dr Scott Arthur’s Rare Cancers Bill which finished its third reading in the House of Lords this morning (27 February). The bill will now go for Royal assent. Sarcoma UK’s Chief Executive Richard Davidson said:
‘Today is a landmark moment for everyone affected by sarcoma and all rare cancers. Sarcoma accounts for about one per cent of all cancer diagnoses, yet carries a disproportionate burden of mortality. The passing of the Rare Cancers Bill sends a clear signal that patients with rare cancers matter and that the system must work harder for them.
‘For too long, patients with sarcoma and other rare cancers have been left behind, receiving fewer treatment options, less research investment and little hope of accessing a clinical trial. The Rare Cancers Bill changes that. The fact that 82 per cent of rare cancer patients have never been offered a clinical trial place is a scandal that this legislation will begin to address.
‘Sarcoma UK has long called for rare cancers to be treated with the same urgency and ambition as common cancers, and today Parliament has listened. The commitment to improving clinical trial access, driving research and reviewing orphan drug regulations are exactly the kind of bold, joined-up actions we have been calling for. We look forward to the government implementing this legislation swiftly and with genuine intent. People are dying from sarcoma while waiting for better options. That has to change, and it can change, starting today.
‘We are deeply grateful to Dr Scott Arthur MP and all those who championed this Bill. Sarcoma UK will continue to work tirelessly alongside government to ensure its promises are turned into real and lasting change for our community.’
