Rare Cancers Bill in the name of a former Bell Baxter teacher moves to next stage
A Bill introduced by Kirkcaldy-born MP Dr Scott Arthur to improve outcomes for people living with rare cancers has passed its Second Reading in the House of Lords.
The Rare Cancers Bill was brought forward by Dr Arthur following the death of his father-in-law, Ivor, a much-loved Bell Baxter High School technical teacher, who died from a brain tumour. His experience of seeing at first hand the devastating impact of a rare cancer diagnosis has driven his efforts to change the law.
The Bill seeks to address long-standing gaps in the UK’s approach to rare cancer research, treatment development and access to clinical trials. While individual rare cancers affect smaller numbers of people, collectively they account for almost half of all cancer diagnoses in the UK.
Developed in close partnership with over 40 charities the Bill would appoint a named national lead for rare cancer research, improving accountability and coordination; require the Government to review the UK’s orphan drug regulations to better support the development of treatments for rare and less common cancers; and improve the sharing of cancer registry data across the UK, helping more patients take part in clinical trials.
Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West, said: “I’m really pleased that the Rare Cancers Bill has passed its Second Reading in the House of Lords. This Bill is deeply personal for me.
"My father-in-law Ivor, who taught for many years at Bell Baxter, was taken far too soon by a brain tumour.
“Too many families across Scotland know the pain of losing someone to a rare cancer, often with very limited treatment options available.
"This Bill is about making sure rare cancers are no longer overlooked and that patients have a better chance through stronger research and access to clinical trials.”