Dr Barbara Guinn, Reader in Cell Biology and Biochemistry at the University, was one of over 100 Cancer Research UK Ambassadors who took part and lobbied MPs. She was joined by three Bedfordshire students and fellow Ambassadors – Opeyemi Akindele, Dorcas Adeoye and Elizabeth Bailey, a breast cancer survivor recently named Cancer Research UK’s Ambassador of the Year.

Together with her fellow Ambassadors, Dr Guinn met MPs to advise them on the part they could play in helping to achieve Cancer Research UK’s ambition that within 20 years three in four of all cancer patients diagnosed will survive at least ten years. Between them, they urged MPs to encourage the Secretary of State for Health to back measures to improve early diagnosis and greater access to innovative, evidence-based treatments.

They raised the priorities of needing to secure a sustained commitment to continued public awareness campaigns such as ‘Be Clear on Cancer’; the need for the Government to set an ambition to increase participation in the bowel cancer screening programme; and for the Government to get going with an action plan to increase access to innovative radiotherapy for those cancer patients who’d benefit from it as part of their treatment plan.

Dr Guinn, who is also the Undergraduate Portfolio Leader for Life Sciences at Bedfordshire, said: “I’m really excited to have taken part in Cancer Research UK’s day of action, because I know that this is a great way to help make a difference, and I feel passionate about supporting their work.  So many people are diagnosed with cancer and it’s vital that we do all we can to help save more lives and increase UK cancer survival rates to levels seen in other European countries.

“I wanted to do more than just be a cancer research scientist and this is why I wanted to volunteer my time and lend my voice to support the charity’s work.”

Dr Guinn was also delighted to be accompanied to Westminster by the three students, adding: “To have Opeyemi, Dorcas and Elizabeth lobbying at Westminster made a real difference, as they’re well placed to talk about how we can improve cancer survival rates. 

“As a breast cancer survivor, Elizabeth has a powerful testimony to tell and can speak about what more needs to be done in the fight against cancer.

“And in their MSc Public Health course, Opeyemi and Dorcas are learning about the illnesses affecting the general public and the policies designed to combat them, such as Be Clear on Cancer awareness campaigns.”

For more information on how to get involved in Cancer Research UK’s campaigning work, visit www.cruk.org/campaigns.

Applications to study at the University of Bedfordshire are still being considered for the 2014/15 academic year.  Call 01234 400400 to find a course that suits you.

Photo: Dr Barbara Guinn (centre) with fellow Cancer Research UK Ambassadors at Westminster