Call for return of breast cancer screening units in the High Peak as health impact fears rise

After extra restrictions were announced for Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, High Peak MP Robert Largan raised the issue of local breast cancer screening units in the House of Commons.

NHS England recently made a commissioning decision, citing Covid-19, to withdraw the mobile units from New Mills, Chapel-en-le-Frith, and Buxton, and relocate all screening to Bakewell.

The MP has been campaigning to get mobile breast cancer screening units reinstated to the High Peak.

In parliament, he said: “We all recognise the need to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.

"However, I am increasingly concerned about the long-term health impact the pandemic is having on things like mental health and long-term serious health conditions.

"A good example is the recent commissioning decision by NHS England to withdraw breast cancer screening units from places such as New Mills, Buxton, and Chapel-en-le-Frith, citing covid as the reason for the withdrawal.

"Will the minister agree to meet me, so we can discuss how to reinstate breast cancer screening units to High Peak?”

The health minister agreed to arrange a meeting between Robert and the ministerial team at the Department for Health and Social Care.

Mr Largan added: “Keeping the virus under control is the priority, but we also have to manage the long-term impact of the pandemic.

“I fear that the decision to close High Peak’s mobile breast cancer screening units will lead to fewer women being screened, as it will simply be too difficult for many to book appointments.

“That is why I raised this issue directly with the minister for public health, and he has agreed to meet with me to discuss this vital issue.”

A petition has been launched to seek the backing of local residents on the issue and to help reinstate the screenings.

High Peak residents can sign and share Robert’s petition at robertlargan.co.uk/breastcancerscreening.