Opened the debate
The first known descriptions of breast cancer date back to beyond 3,000 BC. Although breast cancer mortality rates have been decreasing since the 1970s, approximately 11,400 women and 85 men die of breast cancer every year. This equates to 32 deaths from breast cancer every single day. The impact is widespread, affecting many through family members who have experienced breast cancer. My nan's case highlights the importance of early detection; she was diagnosed too late due to embarrassment and fear, leading to her untimely death. Screening saves lives by detecting cancer at an earlier stage, making treatment simpler and more effective. However, in Bassetlaw, the number of women attending for screening has dropped dramatically to below 50% since the coronavirus pandemic, from a pre-pandemic rate of nearly 78%. This decline is not unique to Bassetlaw. I launched the 'Bassetlaw love your boobs, get them checked' campaign last month, encouraging local women to attend their screenings. Women like Liz Rew, Maria Charlesworth, Barbara Baldwin, Claire Previn and Jenny Bailey have been active in this campaign after experiencing breast cancer themselves or knowing others who have. Men can also get breast cancer, as evidenced by my constituent Danny Emmerson from Worksop, who was diagnosed after finding lumps while watching TV. My ask is for everyone to check themselves and encourage the women in their lives to attend screenings. On 29 June, I will run the Race for Life to further raise awareness. I request data at a ward level for Doncaster and Bassetlaw hospitals to better target areas with lower screening uptake.