Sheffield women urged to take up life-saving breast screening appointments

Women are being encouraged to take up their mammogram appointments

Each month, more than 5,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer n the world.

Joanne Lay, Sheffield Breast Imaging Manager, said: “Breast screening aims to find breast cancers early, and uses an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they're too small to see or feel.

“ Around 1 in 8 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime and if it’s detected at an early stage treatment options and chances of a full recovery are greater. Mammograms are taken by female radiographers and the appointment usually takes no longer than 20 minutes.”

Women over the age of 70 are not automatically invited for screening but are encouraged to attend routine three-yearly screening by contacting their local breast unit.

There are more than 55,000 new cases in the UK every year, and the disease claims the lives of 11,500 women.

Screening appointments are important, as they spot potential issues early by using an X-ray test, called a mammogram, which can find cancers when they’re too small to see and feel.

Breast screening is currently offered to women every three years between the ages of 50, until their 71st birthday.

In Sheffield there are four GP Practices in the Manor and Castle areas whose breast screening appointments have been sent out over the last few months: Dovercourt Surgery, The White House Surgery, Duke Medical Centre and Norfolk Park Medical Practice.

It’s important for anyone worried about any symptoms of breast cancer, regardless of age or gender, to arrange a check-up with their local GP. Signs and symptoms could include, discharge from either of your nipples, a lump or swelling in either of your armpits, dimpling on the skin of your breasts, a rash on or around your nipple, a change in the appearance of your nipple. Knowing what is normal for you will help you notice any changes in your breasts.

For more information, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening/