JOHN Grogan MP met with Ilkley resident Susan Oliver, the chairwoman for Pseudomyxoma Survivor, a charity which offers support and advice to patients suffering from pseudomyxoma peritonei - a rare cancer that generally starts in the appendix.

They met at a recent advice surgery in Ilkley when they discussed the work of Pseudomyxoma Survivor and Cancer52, an alliance of 95 predominantly small cancer charities united by their vision of seeking a better future for everyone affected by rare and less common cancers. Based on current data, 46 per cent of cancers diagnosed are rare and less common, yet they account for 54 per cent of cancer deaths.

John Grogan MP said: “Firstly I would like to commend the research and development of treatment for breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancer. We have come a long way in recent decades and chances of survival are increasing. However, after speaking to Susan, it is clear current policy to improve outcomes for patients has favoured the ‘big four’ cancers. More attention needs to be focused on less common cancers, such as pseudomyxoma peritonei. They account for more than half of UK cancer deaths. Charities and organisations such as Pseudomyxoma Survivor and Cancer52 have accomplished a great deal by increasing public awareness of the ‘other’ cancers but there is still a long way to go if significant progress is to be made.”

Susan’s own story is discussed on the charity’s website: http://www.pseudomyxomasurvivor.org/susan-cancer-52-house-lords/