Breast Cancer Care statement on PM’s speech.

Commenting on Gordon Brown’s announcement at the Labour Party conference that the NHS Breast Screening Programme will be extended to automatically invite women aged 47-73 yrs (from 50-70 yrs) to attend breast screening, that every case of suspected breast cancer will be treated as urgent and that consultants will be able to fast-track patients Samia al Qadhi, Joint Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“This is great news for the 200,000 extra women who will now be able to access the breast screening service.

“Screening is an essential and highly successful way of identifying breast cancer at an early stage.

“In addition, having faster access to specialists and treatment will reduce the anxiety many people tell us they face whilst waiting for appointments.

“It will also help to ensure that more cases of breast cancer are diagnosed early and treatment started promptly. This is vital as we know that early detection improves treatment options and can lead to a more successful outcome.

“However, we need to ensure that these commitments are now put into practice without delay. Widening the ages at which women are automatically screened is just part of the solution. We need to look at ways of encouraging all women, and especially those over 70, to attend appointments and check their breasts.

“We look forward to seeing further improvements in services in the forthcoming publication of the Cancer Reform Strategy. “

Ends

Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns should contact Breast Cancer Care’s helpline (0808 800 6000) or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk

For further media information, please contact
Ruwani Weerasinghe
Press Officer
020 7960 7521
ruwaniw@breastcancercare.org.uk