MPs call for £20million investment for research into invasive breast cancer

MPs are backing calls for £20million investment to support research into invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC). 

Helen Hayes MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, led a debate in parliament yesterday afternoon where she showed her support for the Lobular Moon Shot Project.

The group are campaigning for £20million of investment into a major research project to better understand the disease, its diagnosis and treatment.

MP Hayes, said: “Twenty two people every day are diagnosed with ILC, often too late for treatment to be effective. Despite ILC accounting for 15 per cent of all breast cancers, the disease is under researched.

“ILC claimed the life of my close friend Heather Cripps earlier this year. Before her passing, Heather campaigned for new research projects and a greater focus from the government on curing ILC. 

“There are good research projects already looking into how we can catch the cancer earlier and make sure more women can be treated. However, this needs the backing of the Government to give all patients the best chance of survival.”

ILC is the second most common type of breast cancer and the seventh most common cancer in women. 

When treated early, patients have a good chance of survival. 

But, ILC behaves differently to other forms of breast cancer, rarely forming a lump and not easily detected by mammograms and ultrasound scans. This means it is often diagnosed too late for effective treatment.

 Dr Susan Michaelis, founder of the Lobular Moon Shot Project campaign, said: “I hope this debate will help remind the Health Secretary that hundreds of MPs of all political parties support the call for the government to fund a £20million five-year research project into the basic biology of Lobular breast cancer.”

Pictured top: Helen Hayes MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, led a debate in parliament yesterday afternoon (Picture: Parliament UK)