Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is CML Awareness Day and I am honoured to host a lunch briefing here in Ottawa to celebrate the great progress being made to control CML.
CML is a slowly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is the first cancer for which scientists were able to identify the genetic anomaly involved, and that is the Philadelphia chromosome. This discovery has led to the development of the first targeted cancer therapy. While these therapies are highly effective, they are not a cure and are very expensive. Additionally, some patients still require regular blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants. Further stem cell research is vital to fighting this disease.
I would like to recognize the work of the CML Society of Canada, a not for profit organization that provides invaluable support, education and information to patients and families.
We need to remember that more work is needed to ensure all cancer patients have access to the best treatments and services available.