MP pledges to fight for breast cancer patients

Mal McCall, Jim Dobbin MP and Christine Abbott

Jim Dobbin MP for Heywood and Middleton has pledged to take the fight for improved breast cancer services to Westminster, after learning that UK breast cancer survival rates still lag behind those of other European countries.

During a reception, hosted by Breakthrough Breast Cancer at the Houses of Parliament, Mr Dobbin committed to providing a voice for the nearly 48,000 UK women diagnosed each year with the disease.

Over 60 MPs and Peers attended the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Annual Parliamentary Reception, which highlights the charity’s vital research, campaigning and education work. They heard Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s proposals for working towards a future free from the fear of the disease and were urged to take action by: 

• Committing to pressing for rapid uptake of improved digital technology within the breast screening programme nationwide.
• Making sure that greater breast cancer awareness is a key goal for health professionals by supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s Touch Look Check awareness campaign (TLC).
• Pressing for further investment in breast cancer research. 

Mr Dobbin said: “I was shocked to hear that UK survival rates still lag behind other European countries.

"With 1 in 8 UK women developing this disease at some point in their life time, this is simply not acceptable, so I will ensure I keep this disease high on the political agenda in this parliament. 

"I am looking forward to working with my local campaigners and taking action to help in any way possible in the fight against this disease.”

Ross Kester, Influencing Manager, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “It was great to have so many MPs attend our reception this year.

"Opportunities like this give us the chance to make sure that politicians are aware of all the issues and can continue to work with us to bridge the gap in UK survival rates.”

Chris Askew, Chief Executive at Breakthrough Breast Cancer added: “This year’s parliamentary reception has been a great opportunity to meet MPs and share with them our vision for a future free from the fear of breast cancer. We are thrilled that so many MPs have pledged their support and are united with us in the fight against the disease.”