Breast cancer, 50 women voice issues next government should address, UK

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Article Date: 24 Mar 2005 - 16:00 PDT

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Today fifty women from across the UK with personal experiences of breast cancer voiced the issues they would like the next Government to address, to Health Secretary, Dr John Reid MP and Conservative and Liberal Democrat health spokespeople Andrew Lansley MP and Paul Burstow MP in the first ever 'Breast Cancer Conversation.'

As the UK's leading breast cancer charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer secured an unrivalled opportunity for some of its grassroots campaigners - who are all part of its Campaigns and Advocacy Network, (Breakthrough CAN) - to converse with policy makers in the run up to the general election. Top of the list of Breakthrough's concerns are:

-- The lengthy waiting times, women are waiting up and down the country for breast cancer diagnosis (up to 17 weeks) and radiotherapy treatment (up to 16 weeks)

-- Access to annual screening for all women aged 40-49 with a significant family history of breast cancer

Evidence suggests that up to forty per cent of women who are eventually diagnosed with breast cancer can wait up to 17 weeks just to get an appointment with a breast cancer specialist because their GP gave them a routine rather than urgent referral. However, Breakthrough's research shows that women expect to be seen in considerably less time:

Nine out of ten women wish to wait no longer than two weeks to see a specialist, over a third wish to see a specialist within 48 hours

75% of women would like to wait no more than a week, and if asked to wait any longer over a third would consider paying for private treatment

Two out of three women would consider going private after waiting a month

Approximately 3% of women in England and Wales have a family history that puts them at moderate or high risk of developing breast cancer. This translates to around 100,000 women in England alone between the ages of 40-49 who were promised access to annual screening by NICE. In order to meet this commitment, the NHS must provide an extra 21,000 screens per year.

'Women tell us that waiting for diagnosis is incredibly traumatic and no one should have to wait more than two weeks to see a specialist. Today's conversation between women affected by breast cancer, ministers and MPs on this and other issues, will help improve services for all women with breast problems,' commented Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Breakthrough's Campaigns and Advocacy Network (Breakthrough CAN) brings together over 400 individuals and organisations to campaign for improvements in breast cancer services across the country.

'Breast Cancer Conversation' Agenda

The Commonwealth Club, Northumberland Avenue, London SW1
10.30 - 12 Group conversation - the breast cancer issues that matter to women
1.00 - 2.30 Conversation and questions with Dr John Reid MP
2.45 - 4.15 Conversation and questions with Andrew Lansley MP and Paul Burstow MP
4.15 - 4.30 Closing remarks
Interview opportunities with:

Fifty women members of Breakthrough's Campaigns and Advocacy Network (CAN) from around UK constituencies (full list available)

The Right Honourable Dr John Reid MP, Secretary of State for Health

Mr Andrew Lansley CBE MP, Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Health

Mr Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary

Mr Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive, Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Ms Antonia Bunnin, Director of Policy and Campaigns, Breakthrough Breast Cancer

http://www.breakthrough.org.uk

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