BIODIVERSITY 'CRUCIAL' IN FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

11.21.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Apr 2008

Stopping the destruction of rainforests could contribute to our chances of finding a cure for cancer, according to a local LibDem Euro-MP.

Visiting an exhibition on the subject at the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week Liz Lynne MEP, Co-Chair of campaign group MEPs Against Cancer said:

"It is too easy to assume that modern science will conquer all, despite plant species becoming extinct faster than ever before. We must not forget that a quarter of western drugs used to treat cancer come from plants discovered by communities in the developing world, including the most common breast cancer drug, taxol.

"If we destroy our natural surroundings to build houses or just cultivate a narrow range of crops for our immediate needs, we destroy the very thing that could save us later on. If people won't listen to the environmental arguments maybe they will listen to this one."

On the need for greater European cooperation on cancer, Liz added:

"While Planet Earth could hold the key to future cures, we can also work better with what we have. Cancer is Europe's second biggest killer and we could save thousands of lives if screening programmes were fully available across the EU. We should share best practice with our neighbours on how to get the message across on screening. We must also work together more on research, funding and awareness at EU level."

ENDS

Notes:

Liz Lynne co-founded MEPs Against Cancer (MAC) in 2005: http://www.mepsagainstcancer.org/

Cancer facts:

There are more than 2.2 million new cases and more than 1.1 cancer deaths in the EU 25 each year

Every day, over 6000 Europeans are diagnosed with cancer and more than 3000 die from their disease

The number of Europeans with cancer will increase dramatically by 2015 due to the ageing population

Screening for bowel (colorectal) cancer can reduce the chances of dying by 16%

In England, breast cancer screening is estimated to save around 1400 lives per year