Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage today hosted the charity, BosomBuddies, in Parliament for an event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of the early detection of breast cancer.
Through BosomBuddies, breast cancer survivors ('Buddies') have been deployed to visit schools across the country speaking to girls of Year 11 age about how they can self-examine and why early detection of the disease is so crucial. The Buddies also offer support to young girls who may have been affected by breast cancer indirectly – living with a family member who is undergoing treatment for the disease.
Whilst 1 in 8 women in the UK will get breast cancer at some point in their lives, 1 in 3 still do not self-examine. The charity is now looking to recruit more Buddies from across the UK and to get MPs to promote the initiative in their constituencies, hence the event in Parliament.
Speaking in support of the initiative, Caroline said:
"BosomBuddies is made up of a truly inspirational group of women who are reaching out to young girls and ensuring that the next generation is better prepared to protect itself against breast cancer.
Early detection is absolutely key to tackling this disease which is why I am delighted to be supporting this accessible and informative initiative."
Over the next few months, Caroline will be working to create linkages between BosomBuddies and schools in Gosport, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent and Hill Head.