Lauren (left) and David (right) from Walk the Walk with Gemma Reeves at the debate
This week marked an important moment in the campaign for earlier breast cancer detection.
Walk the Walk was proud to be at Parliament as chemotherapy nurse Gemma Reeves’ petition calling for routine breast screening to start at age 40, with annual mammograms, was debated by MPs. After receiving more than 100,000 signatures, the petition reached Westminster, giving the issue the national attention it deserves.
For us, this is about something simple: giving more people the chance of an earlier diagnosis.
Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with breast cancer before they become eligible for routine NHS screening. While screening isn’t the answer for every cancer, finding breast cancer early can often mean treatment is less invasive and outcomes are better.
At Walk the Walk, we’ve spent three decades encouraging people to know their bodies, check their breasts and chest regularly, and understand the importance of early detection. But awareness alone isn’t always enough. We believe it’s time to have an open conversation about whether the current screening programme reflects today’s reality.
Why this matters
We’ve heard countless stories from people diagnosed in and even before reaching their 40s who had no symptoms, no family history and no reason to think breast cancer would affect them.
That’s why we’ve backed Gemma’s campaign from the very beginning. Her experience as a chemotherapy nurse has given her a unique perspective on the increasing number of younger patients being diagnosed, and her determination has inspired more than 100,000 people to add their names to the petition.
What happened in Parliament?
The debate gave MPs from across the political spectrum the opportunity to discuss the evidence, share experiences from their constituents and question ministers about the future of breast screening.
While a petition debate doesn’t automatically change Government policy, it does ensure the issue is formally debated in Parliament and requires a Government response. Most importantly, it keeps the conversation moving and shines a spotlight on an issue that affects so many families.
The conversation doesn’t stop here
Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every step matters.
We’re encouraged to see the growing momentum behind calls for earlier screening, not only here in the UK but internationally, where some countries have already lowered the routine screening age to 40.
As a charity, we’ll continue to campaign for greater breast cancer awareness, encourage everyone to check their breasts and chest regularly, and support initiatives that could help detect breast cancer earlier.
Because when it comes to breast cancer, earlier detection has the potential to save lives.
Thank you to everyone who signed the petition, shared the campaign and continues to raise their voice. Together, we’re helping keep this important conversation alive and we’ll be there every step of the way.