KEIGHLEY and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has given his assurance during Breast Cancer Awareness month that he will press the new health secretary, Sajid Javid, to look into a campaign for free dental treatment for breast cancer sufferers who lost teeth through a rare side effect to treatment.
The issue was raised earlier this year by John Craven, a retired architect from Oxenhope, whose close relative lost five teeth after breast cancer treatment.
At the age of just 51, his relative is having to pay around £15,000 for implants herself because such reconstruction is not available free on the NHS.
The rare side effect was backed up by Macmillan Cancer Support who said: “The side effects of cancer treatment can include issues with tooth loss as a result of surgery or treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
“In the case of breast cancer some patients will be prescribed bone strengthening medication when receiving treatment such as chemotherapy. In rare cases the medication can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, which can contribute to tooth loss.”
In a letter to Mr Craven Mr Moore said: “I will ensure to chase up the response with the Rt Hon Sajid Javid.”
Mr Craven said he hoped Mr Javid would publish a green paper on the issue which is affecting already vulnerable and distressed women.
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