THE Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, visited the Royal United Hospital to push for earlier breast cancer screening, following a local woman's experience of being diagnosed too late despite having clear risk factors.

MP Wera Hobhouse’s visit took place on May 2, prompted by concerns raised last year by a constituent who felt “let down” by the current screening system.

In England, everyone registered as female with a GP will be automatically invited for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53, then every three years until they turn 71. But for some this comes too late.

Ms Hobhouse was contacted in 2024 by a local woman, Lucy, who was diagnosed with primary breast cancer at the age of 38 and again with an incurable secondary breast cancer at the age of 41. Despite having a family history of breast cancer, Lucy felt that her concerns and symptoms were initially dismissed by doctors. She believes that early screening would have detected the disease and undoubtedly given her a better prognosis.

Since then Ms Hobhouse has been campaigning and calling in Parliament for mandatory early screening, but wanted to learn from the clinicians and other healthcare professionals what their thoughts were on its benefits - and what might speak against an early screening programme.

Studies continue nationally into changes to the screening programme, with fresh calls for screening reform following a Cambridge University-led study that reported that using different scanning techniques on women with very dense breasts, beyond the traditional mammogram, could identify 3,500 extra cancers per year and potentially save 700 lives.

After her discussions with Mr Sutton and team, Ms Hobhouse then moved next door to the RUH’s Dyson Cancer Centre, opened in April 2024. Offering first-class treatment for cancer patients, this facility promises to transform cancer treatment in Bath and the surrounding region and enable the staff at the RUH to continue delivering exemplary care.

Ms Hobhouse was impressed with the centre with its groundbreaking research projects, expert and caring staff, and inspirational patient stories, all based in a modern and thoughtfully-designed setting featuring stunning sculpture and art works.

RUH lead cancer nurse Ros Helps said: “It has been such an incredible 12 months. We’ve settled in well to our new building and the feedback from our community has been so positive. Alongside the high tech equipment and compassionate care people really appreciated the light and welcoming environment, the beautiful art and design and the sensitive use of space including dedicated quiet rooms for counselling or difficult conversations.”

Ms Hobhouse said:“We are so fortunate to have such excellent facilities here in Bath. The Dyson Centre with its cutting-edge technology and best-in-class treatments and features is truly extraordinary and a real asset to us here in the West.

“But we have to do more to support our outstanding healthcare professionals - and our patients. Cancer devastates so many lives and as I have heard firsthand from Lucy, it is one of many areas where our health service is failing.”