Clinicians join Derby MP encouraging women to attend routine breast screening appointments
MP for Derby North Amanda Solloway has joined clinicians at UHDB in reassuring women who are invited for routine breast screenings to attend their appointments.
In 2018/19, almost 20,000 women had cancers detected following a breast screening appointment using an x-ray test called a mammogram. The screenings can find cancers that are often too small to see or feel.
Mrs Solloway stressed the importance of attending these routine appointments, and urged all women to make sure they are getting themselves checked and raising any concerns they may have:
“The breast cancer service here is amazing. I recently came for a screening appointment and the care I received was second to none. I was informed at every step of the way and it was so worthwhile.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is to attend these routine screening appointments. I have relatives who have died far too young because they have not had cancer and breast cancer screening, so my message is you do need to take care of yourself.
“Do not be afraid about attending hospital. There are lots of precautions in place to keep you safe, and I can assure you that you will feel safe.”
To protect everyone against the possible spread of Covid-19, screening providers will ensure that social distancing can be observed, and additional infection control procedures have been introduced. This includes the wearing of personal protective equipment by staff, such as face masks and gloves.
Enhanced infection control measures mean that appointments may be held at a clinic different to the usual venue and these may take longer than usual. Women are also being asked to wear a face covering at their appointment, unless there is a reason that they cannot do so.
Lee Chlechowicz, Clinical Service Manager of the Breast Unit, said that women should feel reassured by the measures in place at our hospitals and strongly encourages all who have been invited for an appointment to attend:
“We have adapted and made changes to make things safe for our patients and our staff. Staff will be wearing masks, gloves, aprons and sometimes visors too.
“We’ve also changed our appointment times, too. Appointments used to take six minutes, but we’ve extended this to 12 minutes to enable staff to change their PPE and thoroughly clean down the equipment ready for the next patient.
“So it is really important for women to attend their appointments because the earlier we detect breast cancer, the better the outcomes are of treatment.”
Dr Mark Bagnall, Screening Director at UHDB, said: “Routine breast screening is proceeding during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is important that you attend your appointment if you are invited to do so. About one in eight women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, so it’s really important to go for routine screening when this is offered.
“Please do not attend an appointment if you or any member of your household are suffering from any of symptoms associated with Covid-19 or are self-isolating, but contact the Breast Screening Team as outlined on your screening invitation letter to reschedule your appointment.”
As the likelihood of getting breast cancer increases with age, all women aged from 50 to their 71st birthday who are registered with a GP are automatically invited for breast screening every three years. Women may be eligible for breast screening before the age of 50 if they have a very high risk of developing breast cancer.
Anyone worried about breast cancer symptoms should speak to their GP as soon as possible.
Photo and video taken prior to introduction of guidance on wearing masks at all times on our hospital sites