The representative of Paisley and Renfrewshire North, attended a parliamentary event held by Cancer Research UK in Westminster this month to speak to the charity about how MPs can help keep cancer at the top of the new parliament’s agenda.

With one in two people now set to be diagnosed with cancer at some point their lives, Cancer Research UK says the political drive to beat the disease must keep pace with the progress in research.

UK survival rates of cancer are still lagging behind other countries and too many cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when they are harder to treat successfully.

At the event, Mr Newlands met some of Cancer Research UK’s dedicated volunteer Campaign Ambassadors and received local cancer statistics for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, which underline the need for MPs to join the fight against the disease.

Mr Newlands said: “Cancer has a devastating impact on all us at some point in our lives – we will either be affected ourselves, or we will have a family member or a friend who has fought cancer.

“In Paisley and Renfrewshire North alone there are around 6,700 cancer cases per year and around 3,700 cancer deaths per year.

“We can, we should and we must do more to beat cancer sooner.

“I spoke to Cancer Research UK’s campaign ambassadors who spoke to me about the pioneering research that their charity is currently championing, research that is turning the tables on the disease.

“I am now more confident than ever that we can beat cancer. Today, in Scotland and across the UK, the prospects for new and better treatments is bright.

“However, it is clear that there is a vital role for politicians across these islands to play in helping to detect cancer earlier and bring forward new innovative treatments to patients faster.

“One life lost to this terrible disease is one too many and that is why I am supporting Cancer Research UK in their mission to beat cancer sooner – I hope that you will support their efforts too.” Layla Theiner, Cancer Research UK’s head of public affairs and campaigning added: “Without increased political support we could see the death toll from cancer rising in the UK and so we’re grateful to Gavin Newlands MP for helping to highlight the power of research in beating the disease.

“Survival rates in the UK have doubled in the last 40 years. But there’s still so much more to do and we can’t do it alone.

“Investment in creating the right environment in the UK to not only enable and foster research, but also to help prevent cancer and give patients the best possible access to treatments must be key priorities for the new Government.”