MP Battle Calls For Government Support For Breast Screening Services

John Battle MP (Lab, Leeds West) has asked Government ministers to ensure that breast screening services in West Leeds continue to save lives.

Mr Battle used a parliamentary motion to call for additional funding to be given to the NHS Breast Screening Programme when the Government’s spending plans are revealed later this year.

He said: “More women that ever are surviving breast cancer and that is in part down to the NHS Breast Screening Programme. The Government has set a target that aims to screen eligible women once every three years – but that needs to be backed up with proper funding if it is going to be achieved.

“One key issue is the growing number of women becoming eligible for the NHS Breast Screening Programme as women born in the post-war baby boom reach their 50th birthdays. With more women being eligible, it’s vital that the resources are in place to keep to the three-year target. I am pressing the Government to make sure the capacity is there for the increasing numbers of women taking up breast screening appointments.”

©John Battle MP 06 February 2007