Reporting by Isobel Williams
A dad who has been treated for cancer seven times says tackling the disease should be a top priority for the new government.
David Leavesley, 70, says cancer “is the defining health issue” of our time.
The dad-of-two from Chartham near Canterbury said: “For thousands of people like me, our lives are touched by the disease and the numbers are only growing.
“That is why we must make sure cancer is at the forefront of the minds of all future MPs.”
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David, who is a retired former customs officer, was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008 and underwent surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy.
All was well until August 2019 which saw the start of three and a half years of further diagnosis and gruelling cancer treatment.
This included colon cancer, a brain tumour, an abdominal tumour, a liver tumour, cancer in lymph nodes and peritoneum, for which David is still ongoing treatment.
David’s treatment has included drugs that Cancer Research UK helped to develop, making him a passionate champion of research as it has enabled him to spend more time with his two daughters – one of which has had four bouts of cancer and three benign brain tumours herself.
His call comes as new analysis from the charity revealed about 314,000 people in the south east are projected to be diagnosed with cancer in the next five years.
They also discovered that, within five years, the next government could help prevent some 800 deaths from cancer in the area.
This is why David is backing Cancer Research UK’s Turning Point for Cancer campaign and is calling on people in the south east to email their local parliamentary candidates about making cancer treatment a priority.
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He added: “Many people still think of cancer as a death sentence. But I’m being treated for the seventh time and while the doctors treat me, I’m getting on with my life and enjoying more time with my family.
“It is a bumpy road, but thanks to advances in treatment, helped by organisations like Cancer Research UK, I’m still here to tell the story and hopefully give encouragement, belief and hope to others in a similar situation.”
David is now having further immunotherapy treatment and doing well, but has suffered side effects ranging from incontinence, impotence and tinnitus to tiredness and joint aches.
“My approach is you have to be here to have the side effects, and I’m very glad I am still here…”
However, he still has a good attitude, adding: “I always say my colon has a lot to answer for! And the side effects can be tough. But my approach is: you have to be here to have the side effects, and I’m very glad I am still here.
“And with this campaign, I’d like to play a small part in helping to create a future that protects my loved ones, and others too.
“My treatment would not be possible without advances in research. It’s distressing to think how many friends, family and colleagues could be affected by the fall-out if we don’t speed up progress in the fight against cancer.
“With so many challenges and funding issues surrounding cancer research and care, it’s vital that saving lives comes before politics.
“When you hear those terrible words ‘it’s cancer’, all you want to know is you – or your loved one – have the best possible chance of surviving.
“Whoever wins the general election, the next UK Government must help make this a reality for cancer patients everywhere.”
Famous faces such as John Bishop, Adam Kay, Stephen Graham and Daisy Edgar-Jones have also given their support for the charity’s campaign.
Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the south east, Lynn Daly, said: “Nearly one in two people will get cancer in their lifetime. It affects every family, in every constituency.
“So, as political parties reach out to the country, there’s never been a better opportunity to come together and demand the action people affected by the disease so desperately need and deserve.
“This general election must be a turning point for cancer.
“We’re grateful to David for joining the groundswell of supporters, scientists and stars who are backing our campaign and hope his story will inspire people across the south east to have their say by emailing their local candidates.
“The entire cancer community is calling for the next UK Government to introduce a bold and long-term plan to prevent future cancers and improve survival.
“Urgent action to tackle the disease will mean more life-saving research, more people diagnosed and treated earlier, and ultimately, more people in the region living longer, better lives.”
To take part in the Turning Point for Cancer Campaign visit here: cruk.org/localcandidates
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
