Warrington, Halton, St Helens and Knowsley NHS Breast Screening Service is urging all women aged 50 to 70 to attend their routine breast screening appointments, as part of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign.
The campaign is a time to highlight the importance of regular screening in early detection of breast cancer – when treatment has the best chance of success.
Breast screening, carried out via a mammogram, is a simple X-ray examination of the breasts and can detect breast cancer at an early stage, often before any signs or symptoms appear. Early detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment.
As breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the UK, regular screening is an effective part of the UK’s efforts to reduce the death toll from breast cancer.
Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 71. Women aged 71 or over are encouraged to request a screening appointment if they wish to continue being screened.
Angela Millward, Breast Screening Programme Manager for Warrington, Halton, St Helens and Knowsley said: “Coming for your breast screening is such an important way of looking after yourself. Screening can pick up changes long before you might notice anything, and finding problems early really can save lives.
“I know it can feel a bit daunting, but the appointment is quick, the staff are kind and supportive, and it could make all the difference for you and your loved ones. If you get an invitation, please do come along as it’s a small step that can have a big impact.”
Regular breast screening is estimated to save around 1,400 lives every year in England alone. Alongside attending screening appointments, it’s important to check your breasts regularly (around once a month) for symptoms of breast cancer or other conditions. Checking your breasts regularly helps you learn what looks and feels normal for you. If you have a breast symptom, notice a change or are concerned about your breasts you should contact your GP practice without delay.
For more information about breast screening, women can visit the Warrington, Halton, St Helens and Knowsley Breast Screening Service website: www.whsthkbss.nhs.uk
