Sir Gavin Williamson joined Breast Cancer Now in Parliament to show strong support for the charity’s flagship fundraising campaign, wear it pink, as well as to raise awareness for those affected by breast cancer.
Now in its 24th year, wear it pink has raised over £43 million since commencing in 2001. These funds have advanced life-saving research and life-changing support for those affected by breast cancer across the UK.
This year’s Westminster event, sponsored by Baroness Delyth Morgan, focussed on improving the experiences of people with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer as well as bringing together cross-party MP’s to hear first-hand accounts from those living with the incurable disease.
Approximately 12,400 new cancer diagnoses occur annually in the Staffordshire and West Midlands region, whilst 2.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer globally each year – making it the leading cause of cancer deaths for women.
Early diagnosis of breast cancer is vital to survival and therefore, recognising the signs and symptoms can lead to early treatment. These include: a new lump or thickening in your breast or armpit, a change in size, shape, or feel of your breast, skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin, fluid leaking from the nipple in a woman who is not breastfeeding or pregnant, and changes in the position of the nipple.
Breast Cancer Now is calling on the Government to ensure accurate data is collected on people living with secondary breast cancer to enable the NHS to plan how to provide vital services, treatment, and care.
Helen Dickens, Chief Support Officer at Breast Cancer Now said: “We are so grateful to Sir Gavin for joining us in Westminster to show their support for people affected by breast cancer.
“This year, we’ve been proud to champion our More Time to Live campaign, calling for action to help ensure that life-extending treatments are available for people living with incurable secondary breast cancer. It’s unacceptable that people are being denied drugs that could give precious extra time with loved ones.”
Sir Gavin said: “I welcomed the opportunity to attend this extremely important event to raise awareness of breast cancer and highlight the rapid need for approval of treatments that will give people more time with their loved ones.
“It is sobering to know that every nine minutes in the UK a woman is told that they have breast cancer. The focus must be on funding new treatments, highlighting the signs and symptoms, and encouraging those with concerns to see a GP or health professional at the earliest opportunity.
“I am committed to working with charities such as Breast Cancer Now to campaign for the access of life-saving drugs and will ensure Ministers and health organisations are held to account in order to deliver this.”
