350 more women each month could benefit from lifesaving early breast screening, so say our radiographers, who are calling for all those invited to attend a breast screening appointment to get checked this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. The Leeds and Wakefield Breast Screening service screens around 60,000 women each year. But they can and want to do more. On average, 4,500 invitation letters are sent each month, with just under 70% of available appointments attended. The team at Leeds wants to increase their screening numbers to 80% of the population, that’s 350 more people who could benefit from lifesaving early scans.
Dr Nisha Sharma, Director of Breast Screening at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says;
“Breast screening is a vital step in protecting your health, as it can detect early signs of breast cancer before symptoms appear, helping prevent complications. Women start to be invited from their 50th year onwards as there is a higher chance of risk the older you get and we’re really encouraging these women to come to their appointment.
“The process is quick, easy, and tailored to suit you, whether you have implants or other needs. This October and beyond, we’re asking the women of Leeds and surroundings to prioritise their screening appointment as it could make all the difference for them. Breast screening does save lives and we would encourage you all to attend”
5 reasons to attend your appointment:
- 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
- Early detection saves lives
- Risk increases with age
- Whatever your background, if you’re registered with a GP and over 50, you’ll be invited to attend a clinic
- Average appointments take around 6 minutes
The National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHS BSP) at Leeds Teaching Hospitals runs screening appointments at St James’ University Hospital, Seacroft Hospital, Wakefield Trinity, Wharfedale Hospital and has three mobile units making screening as convenient as possible for those called.
Regular screening can help flag any irregularities, with approximately 1,800 patients requiring further assessment after their initial mammograms. These women are then seen and examined at Seacroft Hospital under the supervision of a Consultant Breast Radiologist or Breast Clinician. Further mammograms, ultrasound scans and biopsy procedures are frequent.