Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge, sought to raise awareness of childhood cancer, including the vital importance of research, when he collected a gold ribbon pin badge at Cancer Research UK in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month take place in September each year and is symbolised by a gold ribbon, the internationally recognised emblem for childhood cancer worn to commemorate the event. Its stated aim is to increase awareness and raise funds for those affected by childhood cancer.

In the UK, around 4,400 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every year, though because of investment in research and treatment, four out of five young cancer patients are successfully treated. However, for some types of childhood cancer, cure rates are much lower, and many survivors experience long-term physical, emotional and cognitive effects from their treatment.

Mr Zeichner highlighted the importance of raising awareness of the impact of childhood cancer on sufferers and families alike, as well as the urgent need for further research to improve the diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of children with cancer, when he picked up his gold ribbon pin badge on Friday. He also learnt more about what Cancer Research UK is doing to help spread the word and raise money in September, including the pivotal role of its volunteers.

Daniel Zeichner MP said: “during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we highlight the impact of childhood cancer on sufferers and their families and pay tribute to everyone who works to support patients and to give future generations a fighting chance, including charities large and small, such as Cancer Research UK. Although progress has been made – of that there can be no doubt – further research is needed if we are to better understand the causes of early childhood cancers, including the potential early indicators, to improve treatment, to enhance the lifelong wellbeing of survivors and, ultimately, to make childhood cancer a thing of the past for generations to come”.

Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People is the part of Cancer Research UK dedicated to supporting research into cancers affecting 0-24-year-olds. Cambridge spokesperson, Patrick Keely, said: “around 170 children are diagnosed with cancer in the East of England every year, so we’re grateful for the backing of Daniel Zeichner MP. Our shop team are looking forward to presenting him with our new gold ribbon pin badge – the symbol of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – and introducing him to the dedicated volunteers who will be helping to spread the word and raise money this September”.

He added: “more children are surviving cancer than ever before, thanks in large part to the work of Cancer Research UK. In Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital is one of many centres across the UK taking part in ground-breaking clinical trials coordinated by the charity’s Children’s Cancer Trials Team. These trials make innovative new treatments available to children with cancer in the city and across the region. Research such as this is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters and volunteers, like the tireless individuals at our Regent Street store. He concluded: “but sadly, we’re still losing too many young lives to this devastating disease. That’s why we’re working to help more people under the age of 25 survive with a good quality of life. Picking up a gold ribbon pin badge in our shops this month is one of the ways people across Cambridgeshire can support this mission”.