Chamber
Plenary, 30 Sep 2009
30 Sep 2009 · S3 · Plenary
Item of business
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
I congratulate Rhona Brankin on bringing the debate to the chamber and I echo her fond recollections of my colleague Margaret Ewing. I do not wish to embarrass Rhona, but her own experience, in which she was so very dignified some years ago, gives her authority and a commitment to discussing the cause that I cannot begin to match.
I note the improvement that Rhona Brankin mentioned, but I also note the continued incidence of breast cancer and the annual rate of deaths. Each individual case is a family tragedy, but high-profile cases, such as that of Gloria Hunniford's daughter Caron Keating, who died so young from breast cancer, bring that home to many people. Of course, her death also spurred on her mother to campaign so well and so vigorously on the search for a cure for the illness.
Not so long ago, a member of the Parliament's security staff told me that his wife had been for a breast scan and that a lump had been detected. I disclosed to him that I had not been for screening for many years because I am a coward and I like to bury my head in the sand. Members might not think that, but I did not want to go. However, the news from him made me realise that that is a stupid attitude to take, so I immediately took up an appointment and went for a screening. I am glad to say that his wife is doing well and that I was given the all-clear. I can tell members that I will not wait another seven years before I go back.
I note that 4,000 cases are diagnosed each year, most of which are in women, although about 20 are in men. Sadly, 1,100 people die each year from breast cancer. As I said, their deaths are an individual tragedies and tragedies for their families and friends.
Research is essential. I commend the Breast Cancer Campaign, which with £1.57 million funds 13 projects in Scotland.
Many women think that the incidence of breast cancer is higher than it is, but that is not to say that they should avoid screening. As we all know, early detection is essential, so it is good to go for screening. However, I would like those who operate the system to speed up the letter that is issued after screening—it can be 10 days to two weeks before it arrives. Women who are to be recalled are waiting for the letter to be delivered, and during that time are in a great state of anxiety. Often, it turns out simply that the image was not clear. I do not know whether it would be possible technically, but it would be good if the person could be told whether they have the all-clear on the spot, when they go for screening. At present, people can become anxious during the period between the screening and the arrival of the letter, and if there is a further period before they are recalled, their anxiety can grow.
Apart from that, I am glad that we are making progress. I urge women not to wait until somebody tells them to go for a screening but to take up the opportunity of regular screenings.
I note the improvement that Rhona Brankin mentioned, but I also note the continued incidence of breast cancer and the annual rate of deaths. Each individual case is a family tragedy, but high-profile cases, such as that of Gloria Hunniford's daughter Caron Keating, who died so young from breast cancer, bring that home to many people. Of course, her death also spurred on her mother to campaign so well and so vigorously on the search for a cure for the illness.
Not so long ago, a member of the Parliament's security staff told me that his wife had been for a breast scan and that a lump had been detected. I disclosed to him that I had not been for screening for many years because I am a coward and I like to bury my head in the sand. Members might not think that, but I did not want to go. However, the news from him made me realise that that is a stupid attitude to take, so I immediately took up an appointment and went for a screening. I am glad to say that his wife is doing well and that I was given the all-clear. I can tell members that I will not wait another seven years before I go back.
I note that 4,000 cases are diagnosed each year, most of which are in women, although about 20 are in men. Sadly, 1,100 people die each year from breast cancer. As I said, their deaths are an individual tragedies and tragedies for their families and friends.
Research is essential. I commend the Breast Cancer Campaign, which with £1.57 million funds 13 projects in Scotland.
Many women think that the incidence of breast cancer is higher than it is, but that is not to say that they should avoid screening. As we all know, early detection is essential, so it is good to go for screening. However, I would like those who operate the system to speed up the letter that is issued after screening—it can be 10 days to two weeks before it arrives. Women who are to be recalled are waiting for the letter to be delivered, and during that time are in a great state of anxiety. Often, it turns out simply that the image was not clear. I do not know whether it would be possible technically, but it would be good if the person could be told whether they have the all-clear on the spot, when they go for screening. At present, people can become anxious during the period between the screening and the arrival of the letter, and if there is a further period before they are recalled, their anxiety can grow.
Apart from that, I am glad that we are making progress. I urge women not to wait until somebody tells them to go for a screening but to take up the opportunity of regular screenings.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Alasdair Morgan):
SNP
The final item of business is a members' business debate on motion S3M-4493, in the name of Rhona Brankin, on breast cancer awareness month.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament notes with concern the increasing incidence of breast cancer in the NHS Lothian area, with nearly 3,000 women diagnosed between 2002 and ...
Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab):
Lab
I thank the members who have taken the time to attend and to participate in this debate on a hugely important issue. I begin by remembering Margaret Ewing, t...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
I ask visitors in the gallery not to applaud.
Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I congratulate Rhona Brankin on bringing the debate to the chamber and I echo her fond recollections of my colleague Margaret Ewing. I do not wish to embarra...
Malcolm Chisholm (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab):
Lab
I, too, congratulate Rhona Brankin on securing this important debate. Like her, I am fondly remembering Margaret Ewing on this occasion. First, I must apolog...
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
I thank and commend Rhona Brankin for securing the debate. It has, after all, been six years since Parliament last debated the issue. I also join the tribute...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
The member should wind up.
Mary Scanlon:
Con
Scotland does not fare well on survival rates for breast cancer. We have lower rates than England, Wales, Northern Ireland and almost every other country tha...
Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD):
LD
I welcome the opportunity to speak, and I thank Rhona Brankin for securing the debate. Given her experience of breast cancer, there is no more inspirational ...
Margo MacDonald (Lothians) (Ind):
Ind
I, too, thank Rhona Brankin for bringing the issue to the Parliament for debate.I state an interest as the patron of the Scottish Breast Cancer Campaign for ...
Rhona Brankin:
Lab
Does the member agree that we also need to look at the link between breast cancer and commonly used drugs in hormone replacement therapy?
Margo MacDonald:
Ind
I could not agree more, having had my own wee lump after trying HRT. However, that is another story. Some ladies in the chamber will probably know aspects of...
Angela Constance (Livingston) (SNP):
SNP
I, too, commend Rhona Brankin for and congratulate her on securing the debate.It appears to me that campaigns to raise awareness of breast cancer or to impro...
Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab):
Lab
I join other members in thanking Rhona Brankin for securing this important debate, in the 21st year of the NHS breast screening service. I remember Professor...
The Minister for Public Health and Sport (Shona Robison):
SNP
I welcome the debate and thank Rhona Brankin for bringing it to the chamber. I thank the member and others for their kind comments about Margaret Ewing. We r...
Mary Scanlon:
Con
I take the point that the minister made on waiting times. We are talking about the waiting time from referral to treatment. Will she confirm that treatment w...
Shona Robison:
SNP
As Richard Simpson said, the SIGN guidelines for breast cancer recommend the immediate offer of breast reconstruction to all appropriate patients, but we are...
Meeting closed at 17:52.