Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, with one in seven women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, which is why all women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited for screening every three years.
Bay Health and Care Partners would like to urge everyone who is invited for breast screening to please attend their appointment and to reassure everyone that it is safe to do so.
Dr Karen Oliver, Lancaster GP and GP Cancer Lead at Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group said: “I would like to remind women of the importance of attending your breast screening appointment, now that the service is up and running again, as a service has been developed to comply with COVID-19 regulations.
“GPs have been seeing patients with worrying symptoms and referring them on the cancer pathway throughout lockdown and will continue to do so. If you are experiencing symptoms, such as a new breast lump or breast pain please contact your GP Surgery.”
To ensure your safety, all clinicians will be using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes, plastic aprons, face masks and plastic gloves. Rooms and machines are cleaned down between each patient and waiting rooms have been restructured to make sure a two-metre distance can be kept at all times.
Breast screening aims to find breast cancers early. In the meantime, if you are worried about breast cancer symptoms such as a lump or an area of thickened tissue in the breast, or you notice that your breasts look or feel different, do not wait to be offered a screening appointment, talk to your GP straight away.
Dr Oliver added: “The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment, so it’s important to check your breasts regularly and contact your GP if you notice any changes.”
To read more about signs and symptoms of breast cancer, click here: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/breast-cancer/signs-and-symptoms-of-breast-cancer
If you need advice on how to check your breasts, watch this video by Breast Cancer UK https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/checkyourbreasts/
Read more about the importance of breast screening here: https://letstalkcancer.uk/news/breast-screening-saves-lives-dont-miss-your-appointment
