Breast Bill set for Commons

HUNTINGDONSHIRE'S newest MP will set out on Friday to try to improve women's chances of recovering from breast cancer.

Shailesh Vara, who was elected only last May as MP for North West Cambridgeshire, is looking to change the law to increase the screening periods for women to improve the prospects of an early diagnosis.

At present, women between 50 and 70 are invited by hospitals for a free screening every three years. Mr Vara wants to increase it to include women aged from 45 to 75.

He will be putting his Private Member's Bill to the House of Commons on Friday, and is hoping to convince the Government to adopt it in its own health policy.

"I believe that prevention is better than cure," said Mr Vara, whose Bill has achieved cross-party support at Westminster. "Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the United Kingdom, affecting over 41,000 women every year. Around 13,000 women die from breast cancer every year.

"It is important to remember that it's not only women who suffer: it impacts on their husbands, partners, parents, children, other relatives and friends.

"Worryingly, breast cancer is on the increase - but early diagnosis can increase chances of survival, and that's what I'm trying to do with my Bill.

"One in nine women suffers from this dreadful disease at some point in their lives, and it has to be right that we try to detect the cancer early, so that it can be effectively treated".

Mr Vara has received much support for his chosen cause since he was one of 20 MPs selected at random last year to introduce Private Member's Bills to the Commons.

"I'm grateful for the enormous support that so many people have given to me for my Bill," Mr Vara added. "I very much hope the Government will give my Bill serious consideration when it comes up for debate.