Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson MSP for Skye. Lochaber and Badenoch, has given his support to a parliamentary motion which highlights a leading cancer charity's campaign to promote the importance of regular checks to detect the emergence of breast cancer as soon as possible.

Mr Thompson, who lost his own mother to breast cancer, was one of 39 MSPs who signed the motion (below) which praises Breakthrough Breast Cancer's Touch Look Check (TLC) campaign. The campaign encourages women to inspect their breasts regularly and to report any changes to their GP. He said: “Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Scotland with more than 4,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Tragically this leads to about 1,000 deaths in Scotland every year.

“Early detection is vital because treatment is far more effective if it can be given before the condition becomes too advanced and that is why I signed this motion to help spread Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s Touch, Look, Check message to my constituents."

Audrey Birt, Director of Breakthrough Breast Cancer in Scotland, said: “While more women are surviving breast cancer, it is vital that women stay breast aware. Our message is as simple as TLC – Touch, Look, Check.

"Do this by regularly touching, looking for changes and checking anything unusual with your doctor and attending breast screening if you are over 50, as these are the best ways to identify breast cancer early. If you find any unusual changes or are worried by anything, you should talk to your GP straight away.

“I am delighted that Dave Thompson is helping to spread this important message.

Note:

S4M-00322 Jim Eadie: Early Detection of Breast Cancer—
That the Parliament welcomes the progress in recent years in cutting cancer waiting times; expresses concern that a recent survey by Breakthrough Breast Cancer shows that awareness among women of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is low across Scotland; recognises that an early diagnosis of breast cancer is vital for improving the chance of a successful outcome; welcomes Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s Touch Look Check (TLC) campaign, which aims to improve levels of breast awareness, and looks forward to the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early initiative being rolled out as quickly as possible in order to increase the number of cancers detected at an early stage.