[10th July 2025]
Two members of our team recently attended a webinar hosted by Radiotherapy UK, featuring guest speaker Tim Farron MP for Advocacy and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Radiotherapy (APPGRT). The session, led by Sarah Quinlan, Director of Radiotherapy UK, focused on practical ways to engage with MPs and encourage their support for the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign.
While this particular webinar did not specifically address Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) or the Late Effects of Radiotherapy, it served as a valuable reminder of the importance of staying engaged with key decision-makers. Opportunities like this help ensure that the wider impact of radiotherapy – including long-term effects – remains part of the national conversation around cancer care and recovery.
For those less familiar, the APPGRT is a cross-party group of MPs and peers working together to improve access to and investment in radiotherapy services across the UK. The group provides a platform to raise concerns, share patient stories, and influence parliamentary discussions with the aim of improving outcomes for all those affected by cancer.
Another important issue highlighted during the webinar was a petition that forms part of the #CatchUpWithCancer campaign. It urges the Health Secretary to take action to boost cancer services across all stages of the cancer pathway – from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care. The petition aims to address delays and improve outcomes for patients. If you’re interested in reading more, you can view the petition here.
Engaging with sessions like this helps us stay informed, build connections, and find effective ways to advocate for the needs of people living with PRD – even when the condition isn’t mentioned explicitly. It also gives us insight into the broader political landscape surrounding radiotherapy and cancer services.
For anyone interested in learning more about how to contact their MP, Radiotherapy UK shared a helpful Email Your MP tool during the session.