Local breast screening champion impresses MP

Heywood amp; Middleton MP Jim Dobbin has been been very impressed with the good work being done by one of his constituents, Mary Jenkins, to promote breast screening locally and encourage women over 50 to attend breast screening appointments.  Mrs Jenkins took up this campaign when she herself developed breast cancer - she has made a good recovery.  Since then she has put her heart and soul into campaigning on behalf of others.  She has kept Mr Dobbin informed of the work that is being done with Breakthrough Breast Cancer, who raised concerns with Government Ministers that there have been long waits for genetic tests that caused a great deal of anxiety to many people.

Each year there are over 41,000 new cases of breast cancer in the UK.    This is the most common cancer for women in this country and if we all work together to raise awareness of the issues and share experiences and learn more about what is available in the local areas, we should be able to improve services and save lives.

 Establishing an individual’s family history of breast cancer and explaining what this means in terms of their own risk of developing the disease is a complex and sensitive issue.  To explore the best ways to deal with this matter the Dept of Health has funded 7 pilot schemes in cancer genetics with Macmillan Cancer Support.  An investment of £18 million for NHS genetics labs in England will improve access and cut waiting times.

Mr Dobbin explained: "At the request of Mary and Breakthrough Breast Cancer, I asked the Health Minister Rosie Winterton MP, who has responsibility for this area, about the government’s plans to reduce the times taken for genetic test results. The government are on target to deliver test results within 2 and 8 weeks in most areas and all labs should achieve this by March 2007.

"I am glad to say the government is setting new standards for waiting times and improved delivery of treatment. The White Paper Our Inheritance, Our Future – realising the potential of genetics in the NHS (June 2003) sets targets that are to be achieved.

"The Government’s comprehensive strategy for tackling cancer was set out in the NHS CANCER PLAN in 2000. The aim is to bring together prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, care and investment to improve cancer services across the NHS.  In 2005, the National Audit Office acknowledged that there was a significant improvement in the management and provision of cancer services since the Plan was published. 

"Things are still improving. In the second quarter of 2006/7 100% of women with suspected breast cancer were seen by a specialist within two weeks of urgent referral by a GP.   We must not rest on our laurels.  Everyone needs to be aware of the provision on offer and ensure that the targets are met.  Please attend your breast screening appointments and encourage your friends and family to do the same. I will be contacting our local health providers to talk about services in the local area."