'Breast cancer will affect 1 in 7 women'

MP for Wrexham

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Whilst 1 in 2 of us will develop cancer in our lifetime, breast cancer will affect 1 in 7 women, with 55,000 women being diagnosed each year.

It is most common in women over 50, though it can affect younger women as well.

Cancer touches all of us, either through being diagnosed ourselves or having a loved one who develops cancer.

It’s so important to have the right support in place, and Macmillan can be an incredible resource in helping people living with cancer and their relatives.

Macmillan can help with all aspects of the cancer journey.

They can help during diagnosis by being there to support the person with cancer, as well as friends and family.

They have practical support available which can be advising people on benefits that they may be entitled for whilst going through treatment, helping women cope with the visible side effects of cancer treatment through their Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors scheme, free specialist counselling and many other support groups available through Macmillan.

They also have specialist Macmillan Cancer Nurses who can work in hospitals, hospices and in the community.

They offer information, practical and emotional support.

They can also tell you about other support available.

I was very pleased to host a Macmillan coffee morning last week in conjunction with Wrexham Labour Women.

There was plenty of coffee and cake, and I was delighted to meet members of the community and talk to them about their issues and listen to what concerns they have.

The coffee morning raised over £250 which will benefit Macmillan.

A couple of days prior, I took part in Wear It Pink day in Parliament, when most MPs wore something pink inside the House of Commons to promote awareness of breast cancer.

It was fantastic to see so many MPs come together and support such a great cause.

If you require any assistance from me, or if you wish to tell me about a concern you have, please do not hesitate to contact me on Andrew.ranger.mp@parliament.uk.