I was pleased to read the article Politics needs actuaries
(The Actuary, April, Politics needs actuaries).
I would like to encourage actuaries to volunteer as Cancer Campaigns Ambassadors for Cancer Research UK, like myself.
These voluntary roles involve liaising with your local MP to improve political action on cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, one in two people born after 1960 in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime, so actuaries might like to contribute personally to the political debate on such a large issue.
For more information, click here.
Actuaries are, of course, well skilled in valuing cancer risks to price products or reserve adequately. However, we may be able to influence the risks themselves in a positive way for society. We could do this by becoming Cancer Campaigns ambassadors while at the same time honing our soft skills.
In the run-up to the UK general election, I had the opportunity to engage with candidates from six different political parties, and four of these signed up to the charity's Cross Cancer Out Campaign. This campaign seeks to improve early diagnosis and access to the best treatments.
Earlier diagnosis could improve UK survival rates to be in line with those enjoyed in some other EU countries, while also reducing the cost of cancer treatment.
Sue Spencer 19 May