October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month and once again, Member of the Senedd for Delyn, Hannah Blythyn, has worn pink in support of the Breast Cancer Now campaign.

Earlier this year all forms of cancer screening were paused by Public Health Wales due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, to prevent further spread of the virus. Concerns are now being raised that over 300 women who will have missed their screening appointments, may be living with undiagnosed breast cancer.

Speaking on the campaign, Ms Blythyn said:

“Raising awareness on this issue is both a personal and political priority for me. Many people know that my Mum Laraine, who lives in Connah’s Quay, was diagnosed with breast cancer a number of years ago and we  will forever be grateful for both the screening programme that spotted it and the care and treatment she received.

I want to use my platform to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage all the women out there, to not just know your own body, but to seek help if you have concerns.

There are people out there to help and support you.”

Wear it Pink! which first started in 2002 has raised over £35 million to provide support for those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families, as well as encouraging awareness of the condition.

The campaign encourages people to get involved by adding a little pink to their outfit and donating to support the work of Breast Cancer Now, who also support research and innovation. Although many aspects of life are different this year, the campaign is urging people to get involved once again, with the message “we know that breast cancer doesn’t stop for anything”.

Back in June, the Delyn MS publicly encouraged constituents to take up screening appointments and have their health checks, as soon as possible. She highlighted how health services had adapted to shield patients from the coronavirus as much as possible, but also the importance of cancer screening.

Betsi Cadwaladr UHB, like other health boards, have adapted the way they are working to ensure the safety of patients and staff, whilst they restart essential services such as cancer screening.