Labour MP says she has breast cancer and urges others to get checked | Breast cancer

A Labour MP has urged women to attend breast cancer screenings as she revealed her own diagnosis.

Mary Kelly Foy, the City of Durham MP, said she was recuperating from surgery and was expected to make a full recovery thanks to an early diagnosis.

She thanked the NHS and encouraged others to get checked.

The 56-year-old wrote on X on Friday: “Last month I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a huge shock, but thanks to the NHS breast screening programme it was diagnosed early, and I should make a full recovery.

“I had surgery yesterday so, as you can imagine, I will need to spend a short spell of time at home to recuperate. Even though I will not be in parliament during this time, my work as MP will continue and my dedicated teams in Durham and Westminster remain on hand to support constituents.

“I want to thank everyone in our precious NHS for taking care of me and I’d like to encourage women everywhere to make sure they attend their screening – it really could save your life!”

MPs from across the political spectrum sent Foy their best wishes.

The shadow attorney general, Emily Thornberry, said: “Love and hugs Mary. Get well soon.”

The Conservative party chair, Richard Holden, tweeted: “Very best wishes to my Co. Durham constituency neighbour @MaryKFoy on what [hopefully] will be a swift and full recovery.”