Shailesh Vara MP recently joined the search for new life-saving breast cancer treatments at a research fair in Parliament hosted by leading UK charity Breast Cancer Now.

The fair was an opportunity to meet the scientists behind the cutting-edge research which the charity hopes will ensure that by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live, and live well.

Delving into the world of breast cancer research, Mr Vara saw the use of smartphone microscopes which examine tissue samples, observed how tumour biopsies are taken, and was informed about chemical taste tests, which show how genetics can influence how the body functions.

Every year, more than 55,000 women and around 350 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer, and sadly around 11,500 still lose their lives to the disease each year.

Mr Vara said:

“It was good to hear from the scientists first-hand about the diverse ways in which they are tackling breast cancer, and to know that research efforts are in full force throughout the UK is incredibly heartening.

“Having heard about the great strides made by Breast Cancer Now scientists, it is clear that their pioneering research will play a huge part in improving outcomes for those with breast cancer in North West Cambridgeshire and will hopefully help us prevent the disease taking more lives in the future.”

Photo: Shailesh Vara MP at the event with Fiona Hazell from Breast Cancer Now.