Cambridge Professor joins calls for Government to commit to eliminating cancer
Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald OBE is among a group of leading oncology experts highlighting the need for a dedicated cancer strategy
Last updated 14th Nov 2024
Leading cancer experts are uniting behind AstraZeneca UK's Cancer: Project Zero; a platform for the UK oncology community to discuss and debate the opportunities and challenges in eliminating cancer as a cause of death.
The biopharmaceutical firm - based in Cambridge - is calling on the UK Government to deliver on its recent commitment to develop a dedicated cancer strategy in collaboration with the cancer community and for it to follow the 10 Year Health Plan (due to be published in spring 2025) 'without delay.'
Rebecca Fitzgerald OBE, Professor of Cancer Prevention and Director of the Early Cancer Institute at the University of Cambridge, has contributed to a collection of essays that consider opportunities to advance future cancer care.
Experts from Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support are also involved in Project Zero.
Each essay shares unique insights into the collective efforts required to make 'Zero' a reality, spanning key areas of focus such as cancer prevention, artificial intelligence, precision medicine and health equity.
Professor the Lord Ara Darzi of Denham, Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, explains: "I have seen first-hand how artificial intelligence has the power to truly revolutionise how we detect, treat and manage cancer. In order to make this a common reality, endorsement of innovation by the new Government and robust regulation are essential. It was an honour to write on this subject, alongside other authors and topics as part of the AstraZeneca 'Zero Essays', to show my commitment to the campaign's ambitions and work towards a future where no-one dies of cancer."
Anna Arent, Head of Oncology at AstraZeneca UK, said: "Zero may feel far away but our goal with this campaign is to celebrate the progress already made and to collectively address the next steps required - including welcoming the Government's recent commitment to a dedicated cancer strategy and calling for it to be developed in collaboration with the cancer community."
Greatest Hits Radio has approached the Department of Health and Social Care for comment.