Jim Nicholson, Ulster Unionist MEP, has given his support to the European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.  

Launched on World Cancer Day, it aims to provide cancer patients with access to accurate information and innovative cancer care.  

Mr Nicholson said: "There are very few people that have not been impacted by cancer in their daily lives.  Statistics show that there are as many as three fatalities from cancer every minute within Europe alone."  

"Despite many scientific breakthroughs in recent years, its impact remains devastating.  The launch of The European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights will make an enormous contribution in ensuring that those affected by cancer are looked after in the way they deserve."     

The impetus stemmed from Queen's University Belfast.  World renowned cancer specialist Professor Patrick Johnston has been instrumental in raising cancer survival rates in Northern Ireland from the bottom of the UK league table to the top.  Professor Mark Lawler, also of Queen's University Belfast, worked with Professor Johnston on the European Cancer Concord to produce the Bill of Rights.   

After meeting the Professors, Mr Nicholson said: "I am particularly proud that Northern Ireland is leading the way in the standards of cancer research and care.   

"I wish to commend Professors Johnston and Lawler for their tremendous work in bringing this to fruition.  I would also like to acknowledge Queen's University Belfast, and the leading role the Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology has played in advancing cancer research.    

"The European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights can provide a framework to deliver optimal standards of cancer research and care across the European Union, and I am therefore delighted to support it."