Everyone knows someone who has died tragically of breast cancer, I had a 
dear friend called Julie who was a victim of this merciless killer, she was always the light and soul of the party and bundles of fun, it’s still impossible to believe that she is no longer with us.
Breast cancer is the biggest killer of women between 35-59 and 275,000 new cases are diagnosed in the EU each year. It is an area that most certainly needs greater funding for research and increased screening.
This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Euro MP John Bowis is today calling on the Commission to provide greater funding for research into the prevention of breast cancer. He said:
“Breast cancer is the biggest killer of women between 35 and 59. However, life-and-cost-saving early diagnosis services are poor in many areas. We have a national battle against all cancers to wage. Science is making progress possible, but services too often slow it down.”
How can his request possibly be denied? Research is vital and could help save countless lives. One research project has identified that a woman’s occupation could be a contributory factor, that working on a farm has resulted in almost three times as many cases. Breast cancer can also affect men – there are around 200 reported cases in the UK each year.
Although I’m sure that women who are most considered at risk are screened, particularly because of their age and family history, it is those who do not meet this criteria that slip through the net, which is why I feel screening should be extended to all women perhaps every three years, and with immediate effect for those aged over 30.
E, I’m pleased you’ve highlighted Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
As you know,I’m doing a Trek next year on behalf of and details of my African adventure can be found here
Cancer is an imotive issue, and I do know people who have died of cancer, though none of breast cancer.
There are many other cancers, prostate and lung cancer for example which get far less research funding because they are less fashionable. The same is true in other areas where maleria was less fashionable than AIDS research untill Bill Gates pilled in with huge amounts of cash.
The one thing I would agree on though is that we could do with more research particularly public funded research to allow for cheaper treatments to come to fruition. There have been some interesting noises about some very interesting pottential cures for cancer.
Just to remind you all that as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month and in aid of the Breast Cancer Campaign, you are invited to the annual ‘Wear it pink’ day this Friday,
27th October 2006. Campaign is asking everyone to wear an item of pink and donate £2 to help them continue researching the cure for breast cancer. Since its national launch in 2003, the event has raised over £3.6million so lets make that up to £5 million this year
For more information on how to join, visit the ‘Wear it pink’ website http://www.wearitpink.co.uk
We all know someone who has been touched by breast cancer at some time so go on, give it a go.
Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbons are are also on sale for £1 each at the Ely office of Tucker Gardner Estate Agents
Jeremy, best wishes with your very personal trek, I have added it to my blogroll.
and Alison, many thanks for your timely reminder about Friday. The ribbons are available on counters up and down the country.