BREAST SCREENING

If you are aged between 50 and 70 years you will be invited to attend an appointment at the back of Biddulph Fire Station, Princess Street, Biddulph ST8 6JN.

Ladies over the age of 70 can self refer to the service by calling 01785 230861.

Please note: The Screening Service will issue the appointment, not your GP

Health Improvement Practitioner, Samantha Ryder is urging all ladies to attend for their appointment when invited. She said “Your free Breast Screening appointment takes just six minutes and can potentially save your life. You are routinely invited for breast screening every three years between the age of 50 and 70. With Breast Cancer affecting one in seven women, it is really important to attend and attending has been made easier as you can change your appointment by calling the Breast Care Team or emailing. Also, if you miss your appointment, we are always happy to rebook for you.”

Mammographer Sarah Martin said “It may not seem important to someone who is well, but the main aim of breast screening is to find changes before a lady has any signs or symptoms, and this is what makes the difference to the outcome. If we find any changes, ladies are invited back for a breast examination, and given further imaging. Sometimes we pick up on things and it turns out to be benign (non-cancerous), but we can’t know that until further tests have been done.”

Rachel Allen said “Some ladies are worried about having the screening as they have heard negative stories. We need to compress the breast so that we can see clearly within the breast tissue and to reduce any blurring, so we get a clear image. Some ladies liken the sensation to having their blood pressure taken. If you are unsure of anything ask us, we are here to help.”