DUDLEY North MP Ian Austin is calling on the Government to employ and train more NHS staff to diagnose cancer earlier.

The politician said that due to advances in medical research and NHS staff turning research breakthroughs into life-saving tests and treatments, more patients than ever are surviving cancer, but early diagnosis remains crucial to saving lives.

He said the NHS is facing challenges from a growing and ageing population, and with more than one in 10 NHS diagnostic posts unfilled, services are struggling to keep up with growing demand.

That is why he is supporting Cancer Research UK’s Shoulder to Shoulder campaign and asking the Government to commit to training and employing more NHS staff - to meet these challenges, diagnose cancer earlier and provide patients with the best treatment.

Mr Austin said: “Our NHS workers do a fantastic job looking after patients and providing life-saving treatment to people diagnosed with cancer.

“But to face the challenges in the future we must see more investment in training and employing more staff to diagnose cancer as early as possible and give the best possible care.”

To find out more about the campaign and lend your support, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/campaign-for-us/shoulder-to-shoulder.