Women in Walsall invited to come forward for breast cancer screening
Women in Walsall are being invited to come forward if they receive a breast cancer screening invite.
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The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites all women from the age of 50 to 71 registered with a GP for screening every three years. Screening takes place in mobile units at different venues across the borough and only female staff work on them. The screening involves taking X-rays of the breasts (called mammograms) and these are used to detect cancers that are too small to see or feel. The appointment takes less than 15 minutes.
Most women attending their screening appointment will be informed that they have no early signs of breast cancer. However, it is important for women to follow NHS advice, check their breasts regularly between screening appointments and contact their GP if they notice any changes.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. The main signs and symptoms of breast cancer in women often include:
- a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
- a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling, or redness (which may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
- a change in size or shape of one or both breasts
- nipple discharge (if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
- a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as turning inwards or a rash on it
- pain in your breast or armpit which does not go away.
Nadia Inglis, Director of Public Health at Walsall Council said: “I would really encourage any women in Walsall aged 50 to 71, particularly those who are first invited to come forward for their breast screening appointment.
“Screening can detect early changes to your breasts before you can see or feel them. Female staff will be on the unit to take you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
“If you are told you have breast cancer, you will be helped through your diagnosis and treatment by a team of specialists.
“If you are invited for a screening or have missed an appointment, please come forward as soon as possible.
“It’s also important to be breast aware by checking your breasts every month and getting to know what is normal for you. If you notice any changes, contact your GP practice as soon as possible.
“Please find out more about the screening programme by looking up NHS Breast Screening on the GOV.UK website.”
If you have not been invited for breast screening by the time you are 53 and think you should have been, contact your local breast screening service.
If you are over 71, you can still have breast screening every three years by calling your local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
If you identify as a transgender (trans) man or woman, more information about your eligibility for screening can be found on GOV.UK: NHS population screening: information for trans and non-binary people - GOV.UK
