Labour MP Wes Streeting ‘over the moon’ to be cancer free after successful operation
Wes Streeting is now cancer-free. (Twitter)
Labour MP Wes Streeting has revealed that he is cancer-free after he had a lifesaving operation to remove one of his kidneys.
The Ilford North MP first opened up about his kidney cancer diagnosis in May, explaining that his prognosis was good as the cancer had been caught early.
On Tuesday (27 July), Wes Streeting shared the news that he is cancer-free in a video posted to Twitter.
“The sun is shining, it’s a beautiful day, and I’m really pleased to let you know that I’m back at work, fighting fit and cancer free,” Streeting said in the video.
“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting anything like the overwhelming response that my family and I received when my kidney cancer diagnosis went public, so the first thing I want to say from the bottom of my heart is a massive thank you to everyone who got in touch.”
Streeting said he received powerful words of advice and encouragement from people he had “never even met” after he announced his diagnosis in May.
Wes Streeting’s cancer was detected early by NHS staff
He thanked those who had gotten in touch to share their own cancer experiences, while he also paid tribute to the staff at the Royal Free Hospital who treated him.
I'm over the moon to let you know that after a successful operation, I'm cancer-free, fighting fit and back in action.
Thank you so much for all of the support I've had in recent months. It has meant more than words can say.
Biggest thanks of all to the NHS. Total heroes. pic.twitter.com/iBo96ivVYL
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) July 27, 2021
Wes Streeting went on to thank the NHS staff who first detected that he had kidney cancer, explaining that the early detection meant his life was saved.
“I’ve lost a kidney but I’ve also got rid of the cancer – no chemotherapy, no radiotherapy. I’m just really lucky, so I’m back. I’m back in action here in Ilford North working for my constituents and back in action in Labour’s shadow cabinet too, so you’ll be hearing lots more from me in the coming days, weeks and months, and I can’t wait to get cracking,” Streeting added.
The shadow secretary of state for child poverty was inundated with supportive messages from Labour colleagues and from the wider public following his announcement on Tuesday.
“Absolutely fantastic news Wes Streeting!” Labour leader Keir Starmer tweeted.
“Fantastic news,” Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, wrote. “London’s NHS truly are the best. Look forward to seeing you soon Wes!”
The news comes just months after hospital staff discovered Streeting had kidney cancer after he was admitted for a kidney stone.
After going public with his diagnosis, Streeting said his family and Starmer had made it “very clear” that he wouldn’t be returning to work until he had made a full recovery.
