Pledge To End Breast Cancer Deaths

Two major charities have merged and are vowing to eradicate breast cancer deaths by 2050.

End Breast Cancer Now, formed from the merger of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Campaign, is investing £1.6million into nine studies and says researchers in Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow will work to stop the spread of the disease.

Diagnosis rates are lower in Fife than the Scottish average, but the number of 50-70 year old's attending screening is also lower, while the average mortality rate is in line with the rest of Scotland.

More than 1,000 Scottish women die from breast cancer every year, primarily from secondary breast cancer. To tackle this, scientists are carrying out research to develop new treatments, as well as to improve existing ones, and working out which treatments are most suitable for which patients. This includes ground-breaking research at The Beatson Institute in Glasgow which could hold the key to stopping breast cancer spreading.

James Jopling, Director in Scotland, Breast Cancer Now said: “Over 4,600 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in Scotland every year and 1,000 Scots die of the disease– the time to take action is now and we need research to help us find the answers. Understanding how and why breast cancer spreads is the key to stopping it for good, which is why Breast Cancer Now is committed to world-leading programmes of research into this devastating disease right here in Scotland.

“With the backing of the public, the dedication of the research community, and the support of the Scottish Government, we believe we will achieve our aim that by 2050 no one will die from breast cancer in Scotland.”