Are You Breast Cancer Aware? [6th December 2007]

[6th December 2007]

This is a report written by intern Anna McDermott about a Reception held in the House of Commons by 'Breakthrough Breast Cancer'

'Breakthrough is an organisation which focuses on fighting breast cancer through support of research and educating the public. The Breakthrough All-Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer includes four MPs and two Baronesses. This group focuses on keeping breast cancer on the political agenda. The Health Select Committee also brings much needed cross-party reviews of government policy. Patient records and other reports give insight to breast cancer patient experiences.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for women in the UK. One in three female cancer patients have breast cancer. Between 1983 and 2002 incidents of breast cancer have increased by a staggering 45%. Survival rates, however, are at their highest point ever.
Breakthrough could improve its connection with the public by encouraging those who do make appointments for checkups to bring two of their friends with them. Women generally enjoy doing things in groups and this could increase exponentially the amount of women who get checkups. It would also create a vital feeling of security.
I had the pleasure of spending a good while talking with Joseph Regan, a researcher for Breakthrough. He explained to me some of the research being done to eliminate cancer cells through the new information known about stem cells. It is a time-consuming process of elimination. However, he seemed hopeful and enthusiastic about finding new treatments and, eventually, a cure.'