Attending breast screening appointment could save your life

Women, let’s put our health first - Attending your breast screening appointment could save your life.

We are more than just individuals - we are a powerful community of mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, intertwined in a shared journey of life. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to forget the importance of prioritising our health. But together, we can stand strong, support one another, and put our health first.

Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of Cancer in the UK, and the chance of getting it increases as you get older. But here’s the good news: regular breast screening is a crucial weapon in our arsenal against this disease. It can detect cancer at an early stage - often before you can see or feel it - saving around 1,300 lives each year in the UK. This isn't just a statistic; it can be the difference between treatment and heartbreak for families and friends.

That’s why the NHS’s latest campaign is calling on every woman to take action and attend her breast screening when invited. If you've received an invitation letter now is the time to prioritise yourself and encourage those around you to do the same.

Talking about Cancer can be tough. A recent NHS survey revealed that 35% of Black women rarely discuss breast screening with those who matter most. But it’s crucial we break the silence. We owe it to ourselves and each other to share our fears and prioritise our health.

The survey found that the majority of us (63%) are concerned about potentially developing Breast Cancer. Despite this worry, the latest NHS data shows that around a third of those invited don’t attend screening – which increases to 46.3 per cent of those invited for the first time.

The survey also found that more than one in five (23%) of Black women over 50 admitted they would put off attending ‘non-urgent’ health appointments - like breast screening, we lead busy lives and often think health checks can wait, but early detection is key. Breast screening can find cancer long before any symptoms appear, giving you peace of mind. If any signs of Cancer are found, detecting it early can make it more likely that treatment will be successful.

Sarah Adomah, Lead Breast Clinical Nurse, says, “In our community we can have big concerns just talking about Cancer and a real fear of being diagnosed, as well as thinking that if we do have Cancer, there’s nothing we can do about it. Going to your breast screening won’t increase your risk of getting Cancer, but it will increase your chances of getting diagnosed at an early stage – and that gives you the best chance of successful treatment.

“The specialist who does your breast screening – the mammographer – will always be female and the appointment only takes about 30 minutes. You’ll have two X-rays for each breast and you’ll get your results in the post within two weeks.”

“If your results show no sign of Breast Cancer, you’ll be invited in the next three years for your next screening. If further tests are needed, you’ll receive guidance on the next steps. Most who need extra tests don’t have Cancer, but early detection is vital for effective treatment.”

To support this campaign, the NHS has launched a powerful film featuring everyday women sharing their breast screening stories - highlighting shared anxieties and empowering us all to make breast screening a routine part of our lives.

For those women who say they wouldn’t attend a breast screening, 21% are held back by embarrassment, while 24% believe they don’t need to go unless they have symptoms. But as Angela Clarke from the film emphasises: “We need to encourage every woman over 50 to attend their breast screening. It’s not about having symptoms or noticing something you think may be Cancer; it’s about regular, checks that help diagnose Cancer at the earliest stage, when it is more treatable. When you get your letter, why not talk to your friends and your family about it and get the date in your diary - it can be lifesaving.”

All women registered with a GP will receive an invitation for breast screening every three years between the ages of 50 to 71. Your first invite will come in the post between age 50 and 53. Even if your breast screening shows no sign of Breast Cancer, it's important to check your breasts between mammograms and contact your GP practice if you notice any changes.

So remember, when you’re invited: Save the date, it could save your life!

For more information, search ‘NHS breast screening’ and to watch the inspiring film, click here Breast Screening film