The Forgotten Fifth
This page is specifically dedicated to the Blood Cancer Alliance’s campaign which is informed by its recent evidence review exploring the unmet needs of blood cancer patients. From awareness, to diagnosis, to information, care and support, this evidence reveals how blood cancer patients are less likely to see their needs fully met than patients with the four most common cancers - breast, colorectal, lung and prostate.
The Forgotten Fifth campaign aims to shine a light on these unmet needs and is working to achieve equal status for blood cancer patients to the other four most common cancer patients, enabling better treatment and faster diagnosis. You can see a summary of the evidence here. Follow this page to keep up to with latest developments in the campaign.
The BCA’s contribution to the Call for Evidence to the Major Conditions Strategy
The BCA has submitted evidence to the Department of Health and Social Care’s Call for Evidence for the Major Conditions Strategy. This has focused on five commitments which include: Stop delays to blood cancer diagnosis, Improve understanding of blood cancers, Increase awareness of blood cancer, Address inequalities in access to information and support for all blood cancer patients and Improve access to new blood cancer treatments. Please see the full submission here.
The BCA’s statement on the Government’s Major Conditions Strategy
Following the Government’s decision to drop its 10 Year Cancer Strategy and replace it with a Major Conditions Strategy, the Blood Cancer Alliance has issued a statement expressing its concerns that the new strategy will not address the specific needs of blood cancer patients. Please see the full statement linked here.
Meeting with Martyn Day MP
On Wednesday 16th March we met with the SNP’s Westminster Public Health and Primary Care Spokesperson, Martyn Day MP to discuss the Forgotten Fifth campaign.
During the meeting we discussed the findings from the Forgotten Fifth campaign.
Meeting with Rhun Ap Iorwerth MS
On Wednesday 2nd February we met with the Welsh Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, Rhun Ap Iorwerth MS to discuss the Forgotten Fifth campaign.
Within the meeting we discussed the findings from the Forgotten Fifth campaign and increasing awareness of the symptoms of blood cancer.
World Cancer Day 2022 Scottish Parliament debate
Following our meeting with Jackie Baillie MSP to discuss the Forgotten Fifth campaign, she highlighted the unmet needs of blood cancer patients and informed about the BCA in her World Cancer Day 2022 debate in the Scottish Parliament, on Tuesday 1st February. Watch the debate here.
Meeting with Jackie Baillie MSP
On Monday 31st January we met with the Scottish Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jackie Baillie MSP to discuss the Forgotten Fifth campaign.
During the meeting we discussed the impact late diagnosis has on blood cancer patients and the role of early diagnostic centres.
Meeting with Pam Cameron MLA
On Thursday 21st January we met with the Deputy Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee for Health, Pam Cameron MLA to discuss the Forgotten Fifth campaign.
Within the meeting we discussed the findings in the report and routes to diagnosis for blood cancer patients.
Meeting with Paul O’Kane MSP
On Friday 14th January we met with the Scottish Shadow Minister for Public Health and Social Care, Paul O’Kane MSP to discuss the Forgotten Fifth campaign.
During the meeting we discussed the different types of screening programmes and treatment for blood cancer.
Meeting with Sharon Dowey MSP
On Tuesday 14th December we met with member of the Scottish Cross-Party Group on Cancer, Sharon Dowey MSP to discuss the Forgotten Fifth campaign.
Within the meeting we discussed increasing public awareness of the symptoms of blood cancer and the different routes to diagnosis.
Meeting with Lady Finlay
On Thursday 9th December we met with Lady Finlay to discuss the BCA’s recently launched Forgotten Fifth campaign.
Within the meeting we discussed a range of issues facing the blood cancer community and the findings from the Forgotten Fifth campaign.
The Forgotten Fifth in Charity Today
Please see here for coverage of the ‘The Forgotten Fifth’ campaign in Charity Today.
The Forgotten Fifth campaign report
Please see here for the ‘The Forgotten Fifth’ campaign report.
The Forgotten Fifth campaign press release
Please see here for the ‘The Forgotten Fifth’ campaign press release.
