After a local GP raised concerns with me about delays in receiving vital test results, I asked the Health Secretary to look into the problem and resolve it as soon as possible.
I will continue to push the Government to improve on cancer care and diagnosis in our area.
Early diagnosis of cancer is critical for saving lives. I was very concerend to hear about local delays in recieving blood test results. I have now raised this directly with the Health Secretary. @CRUK_Policy @macmillancancer pic.twitter.com/JN7fJ3QdfJ
— Abena Oppong-Asare MP (@abenaopp) June 9, 2021
On 8 March we marked International Women’s Day 2021. I used the parliamentary debate on IWD, held on 11 March, to celebrate local women making a difference in our community.
They included Dr Sam Parrett OBE, principal of London and South East Education Group, who has done so much to ensure that young people were supported throughout the pandemic; Sue Stockham, an ovarian cancer survivor, who is using her experience to raise awareness about the signs of ovarian cancer and the importance of getting help quickly during the pandemic; Carmel Britto who is the founding director of LPF Kiddies Club, which offers educational enrichment to young children from African and Caribbean backgrounds; Kate Heaps who is the chief executive of Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice; and Yeukai Taruvinga who is the founder and director of Active Horizons, a charity that works to support Black and ethnic minority young people in Bexley.
Thank you @abenaopp for making my day. This recognition means alot for me personally but also its testament to the amazing @gbchospice @CNGreenBex team I'm privileged to be part of and our supportive system #partners. #internationalwomensday2021 #hansard #nursing #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/cG4YfiDyzM
— Kate Heaps (@heapy25) March 26, 2021
I also paid tribute to the countless women who have served on the frontline in our constituency during the pandemic as doctors, nurses, carers, cleaners, and other key workers. I could not name them all, but we must not forget the sacrifices they have made and the burden that has fallen on them.
You can watch my full speech below:
On Friday 12 February, I hosted a special virtual event with Target Ovarian Cancer, the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity, meeting with Erith and Thamesmead survivors of ovarian cancer to help raise awareness about the disease ahead of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March.
At the event we heard from Sue and Della, two inspirational survivors of ovarian cancer who are both campaigning to raise awareness. Together, they are making sure that more women are being diagnosed early. You can read both their stories here: Sue’s story and Della’s story.
Sue, 62, who is an Erith and Thamesmead resident, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2017. I had the pleasure of meeting her last year to hear her story and find out what more can be done to raise awareness. She said:
Very little is known about ovarian cancer even though over 7000 women are diagnosed in the UK each year. I want all women to be aware of the symptoms and don’t delay contacting their GP, especially in during the pandemic, as the sooner ovarian cancer is diagnosed the better the outlook. For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in March, I would like the women of Erith and Thamesmead to spread the word: make your mothers, aunts, sisters, cousins and friends aware of what to look out for.
Tragically, 11 women die every day from ovarian cancer. If diagnosed at the earliest stage, 9 in 10 women will survive ovarian cancer. But right now, two thirds of women are diagnosed late. More women’s lives could be saved if we are more aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, a change in bowel habits and extreme fatigue. Anyone experiencing these symptoms, which are not normal for them, should see their GP.
The pandemic has exacerbated existing health inequalities, especially for women. People are worried to see their GP and we’ve seen cancer referrals plummet. This is a life-threatening problem that needs action from everyone and I am glad that this event helped to demystify the disease. The sense of care and support for one another, even over zoom, was palpable.
Please call Target Ovarian Cancer on 0207 923 5470 if you have any questions or need support.
You can watch the event below:
Erith and Thamesmead MP Abena Oppong-Asare used Ministerial question time in Parliament to call for faster cancer diagnosis.
Abena raised the issue of ovarian cancer diagnosis for women with Health Minister Jo Churchill in Parliament today, asking the Minister to ensure that women referred are diagnosed our ruled out within 28 days in line with the Government’s stated faster diagnosis standard.
Cancer charities are concerned that targets for faster diagnosis and access to treatment are not being met.
Through my work I am determined to work with local residents, community groups, businesses and public services to ensure that Erith and Thamesmead is put on the map and we get a fair deal for our community.
E-mail: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk
Twitter: @abenaopp
Facebook: Abena-Oppong-Asare-MP