Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, hosted an event in Parliament to support the launch of a new campaign by Breast Cancer Care, in association with the FA.
Sharon Hodgson pictured here with Martin Glenn of the FA, at the launch of Breast Cancer Care's #BCCRoadshow in Parliament.
Breast Cancer Care are a charity partner of the Football Association (FA) and at the event MPs were able to pose with The FA Cup to show their support for breast awareness, which was kindly loaned for the day by the FA.
The event was to mark Breast Cancer Care and The FA’s launch of a breast awareness roadshow, which will tour 38 locations in England to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Knowing what warning signs to look for can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer. This can be crucial in providing more effective treatment and, ultimately, saving lives.
Every year around 42,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in England – that’s the equivalent of more than 100 people a day. This is predicted to rise to almost 50,000 by 20201.
After the event Sharon said:
“I have worked with Breast Cancer Care for many years, and the work they do is fantastic. I am also thrilled that the FA are able to throw their weight behind such a brilliant campaign that will save lives up and down the country."
"On average 42,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in England every year, that’s roughly the same as the average attendance per game at the Stadium of Light. Just think of that image, a stadium full of women - that is the scale of what we are up against every year. Hopefully, however, through awareness campaigns like this one, more and more people will be able to spot the signs as early as possible, and many more lives can be saved."
"I encourage everyone in our area to spread the breast awareness message in their community and ensure people know to contact Breast Cancer Care if they have any worries about breast cancer.”
Breast Cancer Care and The FA are coming into the heart of the community to urge people to check their breasts regularly for any unusual changes.
Breast Cancer Care staff and trained volunteers will be on board the bus to provide breast health information, signpost to support services and encourage women of all ages and backgrounds to get to know their breasts.
Davinia Green, Head of Breast Awareness and Early Detection at Breast Cancer Care, says:
“We want to say a huge thank you to Sharon for hosting our event and showing her support. It’s so important for us to increase breast awareness and reach as many people as possible with our Roadshow."
"Anyone can be at risk of breast cancer, no matter what their age, gender or ethnicity. So it’s really important that people are aware of any unusual changes in their breasts, and act quickly if they are worried about anything."
“People can visit our bus to ask questions about breast cancer and find out more about the signs and symptoms. All information and support is free and confidential, and there’s no need to make an appointment.”
The Roadshow will run until April 2016. For more information visit breastcancercare.org.uk/roadshow or call Breast Cancer Care free on 0808 800 6000 for support.
Please support the Roadshow on Twitter with the hashtag #BCCRoadshow
Notes
1) The prediction (49,743 people in England to be diagnosed with breast cancer each year) is taken from Møller (2007) The future burden of cancer in England: incidence and numbers of new patients in 2020, British Journal of Cancer. 96, pp1484-1488.
About Breast Cancer Care Charity
"When you have breast cancer, everything changes. Time becomes measured in appointments. The next scan. The next results. The next challenge."
"At Breast Cancer Care, we understand the emotions, challenges and decisions you face every day. So, from the day you notice something’s not right to the day you begin to move forward, we’ll be here to help you through."
"Whether you want to speak to our nurses, download our specialist information or connect with volunteers who have faced what you are facing now, we can help you feel more in control."
For care, support and information from day one, call our nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit breastcancercare.org.uk