MEP BACKS BREAST CANCER INITIATIVE
01 November 2006
In an effort to reduce the number of mortalities caused by breast cancer every year, the European Parliament has voted on a resolution on the subject of "breast cancer in an enlarged Union". The resolution brought to light sobering facts; among them were the revelations that 275,000 women in the European Union contract the disease every year, that it is thought to be the leading cause of death in women between 35 and 59 years of age claiming 88,000 women's lives annually, and that some 1000 men also fall victim to the sickness.
The resolution went on to call for more action to be taken in the field of research, suggesting that more investigation in relation to the effects of harmful chemicals and environmental pollutants, nutrition, lifestyle, genetic factors and the interaction between these elements is a must, an increase in mammography screening is vital, and that nationwide breast cancer care with interdisciplinary centres should be developed to provide support for those affected.
Commenting on the vote, DUP MEP Jim Allister said:-
"I voted for the resolution. Such a matter is of extreme importance to citizens both in my constituency and other Member States alike. Any efforts to educate ourselves on cancer and deepen our knowledge on the subject are appreciated.
The United Kingdom may well be ahead of other Member States in terms of offering mammographic screening nationwide and being the only Member State in the European Union which has followed the EU guidelines to meet the high standards expected of interdisciplinary centres but we should not become complacent in an area where more can be and has to be achieved.
Northern Ireland in particular has a much improved record in decreasing the number of deaths from cancer. With the screening age being lowered to 40 years and extended to women over 65, the chances of early detection have been increased. Thanks to Action Cancer, those who would be outside the screening age range can also receive advice and care from the organisation.
That said, there are still issues to be resolved involving the quality of screening and the backlog which exists. I would therefore call on the British Government to make use of the funds available through the European Social Fund to provide further training for medical personnel.
At the Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAW) comes to an end on 31 October, I would urge the Northern Ireland population to get behind any initiatives which help both those suffering from the disease and those in the medical profession."
