Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Breast Cancer: Younger Women

12 November 2024 · 3 other contributors · 3,515 words

Opened by Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

Responding minister: Not recorded

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Wera Hobhouse raised concerns about breast cancer: younger women in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about difficulties younger women face in getting diagnosed with breast cancer due to lack of routine screening and symptoms being dismissed.
  • Hon. Member cited global statistics showing an 80% increase in cancers among under-50s over three decades, with breast cancer accounting for 43% of all cancers in women aged 25 to 49.
  • Calls for review of national breast cancer screening programme, exploration of early optional ultrasound for younger women, and education of healthcare professionals to take symptoms seriously.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member calls on the Department of Health and Social Care to review the national breast cancer screening programme, explore the merits of early optional ultrasound for younger women, educate healthcare professionals to take symptoms seriously, and increase resources so that younger women are investigated thoroughly when seeking help.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

The hon. Member Wera Hobhouse is concerned about the difficulties younger women face in getting diagnosed with breast cancer due to a lack of routine screening and symptoms being dismissed as less serious issues. She cites her constituent Lucy's struggle, who was initially told by multiple doctors that her lump was likely hormonal before receiving a biopsy that confirmed cancer. The second time around, despite expressing concerns about new symptoms, she was repeatedly assured it was just side effects from previous treatment. Only after paying for a private MRI did she learn the cancer had returned as secondary breast cancer. Hobhouse also highlights global statistics showing an 80% increase in cancers among under-50s over three decades and mentions that breast cancer accounts for 43% of all cancers diagnosed in women aged 25 to 49.

Other contributors (3)
  • Clive Jones Lib Dem Wokingham

    Congratulates Vera Hobhouse on securing the debate, raising concerns about equitable access to genetic counselling services for those with the BRCA gene. Calls for NHS England to ensure equal information and guidance across different regions.

  • Helen Grant Con Maidstone and Malling

    Congratulates Vera Hobhouse on securing the debate, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and self-examination for young women in the fight against breast cancer due to age restrictions on NHS mammograms.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Discusses the high incidence of breast cancer among younger women, citing studies that suggest a more aggressive pathophysiology and poorer outcomes compared to older patients. Suggests lowering age requirements for breast screening to ensure quicker intervention.

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