Dozens of women in Sheffield could be living with undiagnosed breast cancer after missed screenings due to coronavirus

Across the UK, it is thought almost one million mammograms have been missed due to the pandemic, meaning around 8,600 women nationwide could have cancers they don’t know about.

The news led South Yorkshire’s NHS integrated care service to urge women in the region to attend their regular screenings and report any new symptoms to their doctors as soon as possible.

Dr David Crichton, GP and lead for early diagnosis in the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw ICS Cancer Alliance, said: “The earlier we detect, diagnose and treat breast cancer the more likely people are to survive, recover and live healthy lives.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has been a worrying time for us all but breast cancer screening services are up and running and we are working hard with all our teams to ensure the safety of all our patients and staff when attending appointments.

“All women aged from 50 to 71, and who are registered with a GP, are invited for breast cancer screening every three years and we would urge you to attend these appointments.

“It is equally important for women of all ages to examine themselves regularly and if you are concerned about any changes, please make an appointment with your GP.”

Mum-of-two Caroline, 51, of Gleadless, who asked us not to use her surname, was due to have her screening in March but this was cancelled due to coronavirus.

When she finally went for the appointment in August the doctors thought they had found a lump, but this was later found to be harmless.

Nevertheless, Caroline urged all women to go for their regular screenings and to pester their doctors if they thought something was wrong.

She said: “I was ready to go for my first screening in March but had to wait five months until August - anything could have happened in that time.

“I had a scare, but it ended up being the way they took the picture, and I am all clear for three years - but there will be lots of other women who are not so lucky.”

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