Screen saver

Shailesh Vara MP explains how his Breast Cancer Bill would help to save the lives of many British women.

There are many reasons why those of us who make it to the House of Commons stand for election. And high up on the list is- or should be- is the opportunity to make a difference.

Changing the world might have to be a long term aspiration, but making a difference is something that all MPs can achieve, be it within their own constituency, or further afield, whether as a veteran of the House, or a newcomer, like me.

So, within weeks of arriving in Parliament, the opportunity to introduce a private Members bill caine as a pleasant and welcome surprise.My cause is the fight against breast cancer.

One in nine women suffer from this illness at some point in their lives and every year, some 13,000 women die from it. Indeed, it is the most common form of cancer in the UK, and it is the leading cause of death for women aged 34 to 54. Earlier detection and better treatments have improved mortality rates, but there is clearly much more to do.

At present, women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited for breast cancer screening every three years. But breast cancer is not confined to that age group.Of course, if a woman has doubts, and her doctor feels that she needs a test in an age group other than 50-70, then she will be given a screening. But I believe the age group should be broadened for all women and not just for those who may suspect they have the illness.

That is why I would like to introduce a bill that will extend the automatic screening period to 45-75 years.

The upper age should be increased as women are now living longer and healthier lives than before. And the age should be lower on the basis that women younger than 50 also suffer from breast cancer. The point is clearly made by the recent high profile case of Kylie Minogue diagnosed with the illness at the age of 37.

In an ideal world, I would haveliked to introduce screening below 45, and I know I am not alone iii that aspiration. But I recognise that there are limited resources, so I am prepared to settle for 45.

Prevention is always better than cure. It is better to identify breast cancer at the age of, say, 47 when it can be treated properly, rather than it being identified at 50 when it may well be too late, or the treatment will be far more expensive and more rigorous for the woman concerned.

I am fortunate to have cross-party support for my bill, and over the coming months I will be seeking to raise the profile of the issue, and highlight the merits of broadening the automatic screening period.

I want my bill to make it all the way through the system. I want to make a difference."