It was great to show my support for Breast Cancer Now’s Wear It Pink Day event in Parliament this week.
On 20th October, Wear It Pink Day, will see thousands of people from across the country pull on pink clothing or pick up a pink accessory to raise money for Breast Cancer Now. Over the last twenty years £39 million has been raised for vital breast cancer research and support.
Sadly, 55,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK, with this disease impacting 3,864 people in the East Midlands every year.
Whilst our excellent breast screening programme has undoubtedly saved many lives, data provided to me by Breast Cancer Now outlines that 67% of women attended their breast screening appointment in our local area, this is lower than the acceptable standard of 70% required to make screening cost-effective, and lower than the achievable standard of 80%. We need to encourage more people to come forward and get screened.
The NHS are putting measures in place to improve breast cancer screening rates. These steps include the use of text message alerts to remind women of upcoming appointments, and local and national media campaigns to raise awareness of the breast screening programme.
Locally, we have the excellent breast screening unit at Ilkeston Community Hospital which is readily accessible and always staffed by cheery professionals. So please, if you receive an invitation, take up the opportunity and get screened – doing so could help save your life.
If you’re interested in taking part in Wear It Pink Day and want to raise money for a fantastic cause, please click here.
