Cancer strategy reflects MHF thinking

The MHF has welcomed the clear reference to the 'need for action to tackle the excess incidence of cancer in men' contained in the government's Cancer Reform Strategy (CRS) published at the end of last year.

The MHF has been pressing on this issue since first drawing it to public and professional attention in 2004 with the publication of its briefing paper on the subject.

In 2006, at the request of National Cancer Director, Professor Mike Richards, the MHF organised an expert symposium to try and identify a way forward. Paragraph 6.37 of the Cancer Reform Strategy refers directly to the importance of that MHF event and acknowleges that we really do not know enough about why men have higher incidence and mortality rates for virtually all cancers that are not sex-specific. Paragraph 6.37 concludes:

It is clear that more research is needed if we are to fully understand how gender impacts on cancer.

'Overall, the CRS outlines a refreshingly clear and practical way forward in prevention, treatment and care for cancer', said MHF CEO Peter Baker 'and the conclusion on the need for gender-based research exactly reflects the call we have been making for several years. It is hugely rewarding to see the MHF's contribution to the debate acknowledged so directly.'