I have recently received a number of e-mails about Breast Cancer.
Breast cancer is a terrible disease that has taken so many lives over the years. It is important that every effort is made to continue raising awareness of breast cancer and tackle the disease.
As many of the e-mails I received point out, Breast Cancer is the UK’s most common cancer with 45,000 women diagnosed in England ever year. Women over the age of 70 account for roughly one in three of these cases. I am however pleased that important steps have been taken by the Government to improve detection rates, clinical assessment, care and support.
In 2015, Public Health England launched Be Clear on Cancer, a national scheme which, I am pleased to say, has significantly improved awareness of breast cancer in women over 70. During my time working for the Department of Health, I was especially proud that we funded the Improving Cancer Treatment, Assessment and Support for Older People Project alongside Macmillan Cancer Support. This project has tested and evaluated new methods of clinical assessment, has set up practical support packages for older people undergoing cancer treatment and has promoted age equality for the care provided by cancer services.
I believe these developments will significantly improve patient experience and quality of care. The NHS is implementing the independent Cancer Taskforce’s recommendation that all breast cancer patients shall receive access to a Clinical Nurse Specialist, or other key workers. This will enable greater detection of any recurrence or secondary breast cancer, and enable a quick and effective return to care.
Thank you for contacting me on this important issue.