A WINCHESTER MP is leading the fight against breast cancer in the elderly.

 Steve Brine, co-chairman of the Parliamentary All-Party Breast Cancer Group, will tomorrow (July 17) reveal findings from a full-scale inquiry into whether older people with breast cancer are getting full access to treatment, services and support.

It was launched in spring by Mr Brine and his co-chairmen, Lib Dem MP Annette Brooke and Labour’s Sharon Hodgson.

The risk of breast cancer increases with age and currently a third of all diagnoses occur in women aged 70-plus. More than half of breast cancer deaths in the UK are in women over 70. Most men who develop the disease in England are over 60.

The inquiry focused on three key areas – risk, awareness and early detection of breast cancer, access to gold standard treatment and access to information and support.

The group has spoken to patients, families, partners and carers as well as the Department of Health, cancer care commissioners and medical and social care professionals.

Two breast cancer charities, Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Campaign, have coordinated the inquiry on behalf of the group.

The group holds meetings throughout the year and also meets Prime Minister David Cameron annually to update him.