Women’s Health Minister Baroness Merron has announced a three-year partnership between the Department of Health and Social Care and Breast Cancer Now to help women recognise the possible signs of breast cancer sooner and know where to turn for help.
The partnership, launched to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is the first to be announced under the Government’s Renewed Women’s Health Strategy.
It will give women practical information to build confidence in checking their breasts, noticing changes and seeking advice from a GP sooner, with a particular focus on underserved areas.
Merron: ‘Early diagnosis is vital’
“Breast cancer survival rates have improved enormously thanks to advances in our understanding of, and ability to treat, this disease, but it is still the case that early diagnosis is vital for each individual’s chances of survival,” Merron said.
“The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment, and the more lives we will save.”
New research from the charity found that 29 per cent of women who regularly check their breasts do not feel confident they would notice a change, while one in five UK adults said they were unsure where to find trusted information about breast cancer.
Support beyond treatment
The partnership will also give women clearer information once their primary treatment ends, including the possible signs of cancer returning or spreading, and provide extra training and a practical toolkit for healthcare professionals.
“As part of our Renewed Women’s Health Strategy, we’re joining forces with Breast Cancer Now to get trusted information directly to the women who need this support,” Merron said.
Breast Cancer Now said it was “hugely proud” to be the strategy’s first partner.
Labour has argued that women’s health must be a consistent priority across the NHS. The partnership is an early test of the strategy’s approach of working with specialist charities to reach women where they are.
