Paul Davies, Senedd Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, joined leading research and support charity Breast Cancer Now at a wear it pink event in the Senedd to urge the Welsh government to boost breast screening uptake and save more lives from breast cancer.
The charity’s flagship campaign event highlighted the vital role of screening in detecting breast cancer early, with Newport local Nicola Willis-Sheppard sharing her experience of a breast cancer diagnosis aged 55 following a routine mammogram.
Breast Cancer Now’s ‘No Time to Waste – Wales’ petition, launched in August, is gathering support to urge the government to ensure the 70% breast screening minimum standard is met consistently, drive progress towards delivering on the 80% target, and to reduce inequalities in uptake across different communities.
This follows latest figures from Public Health Wales showing that breast screening uptake fell below the minimum 70% standard in 2022/23 (69.5%).
Crucially, Breast Cancer Now estimates that reaching 80% could have led to more than 15,800 additional women being screened and 154 extra breast cancers detected.
The recent ‘Cost of Breast Cancer: 2025 Update’ report from Demos and Breast Cancer Now also estimates that meeting this target could generate an estimated £8-£9 million in economic savings and £78 million in wellbeing gains in 2025.
Mr Davies said:
“I’ve always supported Breast Cancer Now’s work across Wales and it was a pleasure to once again attend their Wear it Pink photo call at the Senedd.”
“Women in Pembrokeshire deserve the best possible chance of an early breast cancer diagnosis and that’s why action must be taken to improve the uptake of breast cancer screening. I’m urging my constituents to join me in supporting Breast Cancer Now’s petition and help spread the message far and wide.
“There is no time to waste. The sooner that women are screened, the sooner that they can receive the treatment they need.”
Claire Rowney, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now said:
“We’re so grateful to Paul for supporting today’s wear it pink event. Together we can improve breast screening uptake across Wales and, crucially, save more lives from breast cancer.
“It’s vital that women attend their breast screening appointments when invited and regularly check their breasts and get to know what’s normal for them to help them spot any new or unusual breast changes. Early detection is crucial, as the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more likely treatment will be successful.
“This year marks the 24th year of our wear it pink campaign, which has already raised over £43 million for our lifesaving research and life-changing support. But we can’t stop there. By signing our ‘No Time to Waste – Wales’ petition and taking part in your own wear it pink event this October, you’ll be helping us move closer to our ambition that by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and live well.”
To sign Breast Cancer Now’s petition, visit: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246708
This year marks the 24th year of wear it pink, which has raised over £43 million since it began in 2001. By wearing it pink this October, you can help us move further, faster for people affected by breast cancer. Sign-up today at wearitpink.org/SignUp
