Cherilyn Mackrory MP has welcomed the news that patients in Truro and Falmouth will benefit from better diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer thanks to government investment.
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust will receive a remote access support upgrade after the government pledged an additional £10 million to provide 29 new NHS mobile breast cancer screening units and nearly 70 life-saving upgrades to services in areas where they are most needed.
These new units and service upgrades will allow more women to be screened earlier, improving outcomes for patients, especially women who may not have symptoms. Screening will be focused in areas where it is most needed, tackling health disparities and improving diagnosis rates. Screening saves around 1,300 women every year with around 21,000 cancers detected, these improvements in breast screening units will continue to increase capacity to detect and deliver life-saving treatment.
This investment will also help deliver a more accessible NHS where patients receive care close to home, greatly benefitting those living in rural areas of Cornwall or people with impaired mobility.
Cherilyn Mackrory MP said:
“I am delighted with this news, that means patients in Truro and Falmouth will benefit from faster detection and diagnosis, allowing for breast cancer to be found at an early stage when it is easier to treat.
“This announcement from the Government shows they have been listening and are enacting crucial commitments in the Women’s Health Strategy published in June 2022. These upgrades are essential in helping reduce disparities in women’s health across the country.
“I look forward to continuing to press the Government on providing funding for essential medical care for women and helping services recover from the impact of the pandemic.”
Health Minister Helen Whately said:
“A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying but it is vital that this cruel disease is detected as soon as possible and then treated.
“It is also important that women can access high quality healthcare wherever they live and this investment helps deliver that.
“These units mean more targeted services are available on people’s doorsteps ensuring we have the best chance at detecting and treating breast cancer.”