Lauren (left) and David (right) from Walk the Walk with Gemma Reeves at the debate
A Westminster Hall debate held on Monday (29 June) has brought renewed focus to whether routine breast screening in the UK should begin at age 40 rather than 50, following a petition signed by more than 106,000 people.
Despite backing my MPs from across parties, no immediate change to the screening age was agreed.
Cancer charity, Walk the Walk has made expanding access to breast screening a key campaigning priority. Earlier this year, the charity hosted a Parliamentary drop-in event on World Cancer Day, calling for:
- Widening the age of routine breast screening for below 50 and over 70
- Improved cancer prevention education
- Greater focus on physical activity, including walking, in cancer prevention and recovery
Commenting on the debate, Nina Barough CBE, founder of Walk the Walk said:
“Following the debate in Parliament, it was clear there is broad agreement across MPs on the need to lower the age for breast screening, and we welcome that shared commitment. However, while we recognise the Government’s position on waiting for further evidence for lowering the age women to be called for screening from the AgeX trial, we believe there are steps that can and must be taken now.
In particular, widening access to screening in deprived communities and addressing inequalities in uptake cannot wait. We are also encouraged to hear growing recognition of the challenges younger women face, especially around denser breast tissue, and we urge the Government to accelerate work on alternative diagnostic techniques.
Every delay risks lives, and we believe more can be done now to ensure earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for thousands of women.”
The debate follows a public petition launched by chemotherapy nurse Gemma Reeves, which surpassed 100,000 signatures, triggering parliamentary consideration. Walk the Walk has been actively supporting the campaign and advocating for earlier screening as part of its wider mission to improve cancer outcomes.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information please contact:
- Zoe Fawcett [email protected] 07931 930805
- www.walkthewalk.org
About Walk the Walk
• Walk the Walk is a cancer charity, which is passionate about encouraging women and men to become more aware of their potential for their own well-being by becoming fitter and healthier.
• The charity is best known as the organiser of its flagship overnight MoonWalk fundraising events.
• Walkers taking part in these events wear the charity’s statement decorated bras or brightly coloured bra t-shirts, to raise awareness and funds for cancer prevention, research, and the emotional and physical care of those living with cancer.
• Walk the Walk specialises in creating walking challenges and treks ranging from 5km to 100 miles and more.
• Walk the Walk also started the campaigns that Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too, and Anyone Can Get Breast Cancer, raising awareness for men.
• Walk the Walk has raised in excess of £148 million to date.