Claire Rowney, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“Breast Cancer Now has long been calling for a cancer plan to deliver real change for people living with breast cancer, and we welcome the government’s announcement today.
“A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes and a man every day in the UK.[1] These are people who play integral, valued roles in society; people with families, friends, and ambitions.
“We acknowledge the challenges facing the health service, and the tireless work of NHS staff to improve outcomes. However, we know far too many women are still missing out on screening that can save lives from breast cancer; don’t receive a prompt diagnosis and treatment, and vital data that would improve the lives of people living with incurable, secondary breast cancer remains incomplete.
“A dedicated plan is needed to put a stop to the unacceptable ‘postcode lottery’ in people’s access to breast cancer diagnosis, treatments, and services. And we stand ready to work with the government and the NHS to ensure the plan delivers real, lasting change for people with breast cancer.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Cancer registration statistics, England: 2021 (2023). NHS Digital. Average figures for 2019-21. Cancer Incidence in Scotland (2023). Public Health Scotland. Average figures for 2019-21. Breast cancer incidence (2023). Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit. Average figures for 2018-20. Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (2023). Average figures for 2019-21.