'Early diagnosis is key to effective breast cancer treatment', says Tony Lloyd

Sir Tony Lloyd joins #NoTimeToWaste campaign on breast cancer

Rochdale MP Sir Tony Lloyd has stressed the importance of an early diagnosis of breast cancer as he joins cross party MPs in writing to the Health Secretary.

The MPs have called for the Faster Diagnosis Standard to be raised from 75% to 95% to ensure early breast cancer diagnosis.

The Faster Diagnosis Standard was introduced following a 2015 recommendation to ensure patients be diagnosed or have cancer ruled out within 28 days of being referred by their GP. MPs say the 75% target could give a false perception of success as opposed to the 95% they are calling for. The 95% level was originally proposed in 2015.

Mr Lloyd said: "Early diagnosis is key to effective breast cancer treatment, but yet in Rochdale, breast screening uptake was 60.4% in 2020/2021. This is significantly lower than the national minimal standard of 70%.

"The Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) was intended to bring a focus on rapid diagnosis, but the current lowered ambition for the target of 75% instead of 95% could give a false perception of success whilst increasing the time it takes to get a breast cancer diagnosis.

"That has to change, and that is why I'm calling on the government to do much more to clear this backlog and get people screened and checked much faster.

"We all have high aspirations for breast cancer diagnosis and want to set a reliable gold standard for the care patients deserve. Let’s make sure the FDS reflects our joint ambition and can be a symbol of recovery."

In the letter, the MPs add: "We welcome the intention behind the FDS and its focus on ensuring patients with potential symptoms of breast cancer have a timely diagnosis. We have concerns that if the FDS target stays at 75% this will not be the case. Right now, it’s possible for not a single breast cancer diagnosis to be made within 28 days for the FDS 75% target to be met. Patients need us to aim higher."

If you have any queries about breast cancer or breast health, or want to talk things through or find more support, you can contact the Breast Cancer Now Helpline for free on 0808 800 6000.