West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has urged people to get screened to spot early signs of breast cancer.

And the MP joined hundreds of MPs in Westminster promoting the annual initiative which encourages people to wear an item of pink clothing to support the Breast Cancer Now charity.

Wear it Pink Day, which is on October 18, has been running since 2002 raising awareness of the need to get regularly screened for cancer.

In 2021, across the Herefordshire and Worcestershire health system 828 people were diagnosed with breast cancer and sadly 161 people died.

Dame Harriett said:

“Each year, I support this important initiative and it was wonderful to see so many people in the chamber of the House of Commons sporting pink for the day on Wednesday.

“I’m urging people to get screened whenever they are offered a test. Early diagnosis is essential for fast treatment and a good prognosis.

“Across the two counties, two thirds of women who are offered screening come forward, but we must all spread the word and encourage more and more people to come forward.

“This is a cancer that is beatable when caught early and I hope many more people will wear pink this Friday to raise awareness of this important initiative.”