01/11/2011

Government Launch 'Pink' Campaign

Women cabinet ministers have announced they are uniting with fellow female MPs to 'wear it pink' and raise awareness of breast cancer.

Conservative Party Co-Chairman Sayeeda Warsi was joined by Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan and Transport Secretary Justine Greening to highlight the campaign and raise awareness for Britain's most common cancer.

Tuesday's Wear it Pink day is Breast Cancer Campaign's biggest fundraising event, asking people to donate to the charity as part of a pink-themed dress down day.

The money raised is supporting 101 research projects across the country, each striving to find a cure for the disease which affects one in eight women.

Earlier this week Downing Street was bathed in cherry-coloured lighting to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Sayeeda Warsi said: "This is an excellent campaign to raise awareness and funds. Every pound we raise is a step closer to finding a cure for this terrible disease.

"Around 48,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year and, sadly, everyone knows someone who has been affected. Wearing a pink item and donating what we can - these are simple things everyone can do together at school or at work. And together we can help support the search for a cure."

The charity is currently supporting 101 research projects worth over £17.2 million in 34 centres of excellence across the UK and Ireland.

A spokesperson for the 'Wear it Pink' campaign said: "Together we make Pink Science happen - our pioneering approach to breast cancer research trusts scientific experts to identify the research work with the greatest potential to save and improve lives and, ultimately, find a cure for breast cancer."

(DW/GK)

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