Sheffield women urged to take up breast screening appointments

STH breast team

Each month, more than  5,000 women are  diagnosed with breast cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in the world.  Each year in the UK alone there are more than 55,000 new cases and the disease claims the lives of 11,500 women.  Screening appointments help to spot potential issues early by using an X-ray test, called a mammogram, which can spot cancers when they’re too small to see and feel.

Breast screening is currently offered to women on a three yearly basis between the ages of 50 to their 71st birthday in England. In some areas there is also a trial which is looking at how effective it is to offer women one extra screen between the ages of 47 and 49 and one between the ages of 71 and 73.  The appointment letter will detail the time, date and location and appointments can be arranged by calling 0114 271 1920.

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

Joanne Lay, Sheffield Breast Imaging Manager, said: “Breast screening aims to find breast cancers early. It 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 continue to attend routine three-yearly screening by contacting their local breast unit.

It’s important for anyone worried about any suspicious 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/