The Dudley, Wolverhampton and South West Staffordshire Breast Screening Programme’s mobile screening unit is returning to Bilston later this month.
Women aged 50 to 71 are eligible for breast screening and are invited every 3 years. Women over the age of 71 can invite themselves by contacting the Breast Screening Programme on 01384 244177 or 01543 576235.
Around 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Breast screening can help detect cancer before symptoms develop, when treatment is often more effective.
The mobile breast screening unit will be at Morrisons in Bilston on Saturdays 17 and 24 October, giving women the opportunity to speak to specialist staff, ask questions and learn more about breast screening.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Regular breast screening plays an important role in detecting cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
“Yet almost half of women don’t attend their first free mammogram, and there can be lots of reasons why. Maybe you’re worried it will hurt, unsure what to expect, think you’re too busy, or simply have questions you’ve never had the chance to ask.
“The mobile screening unit is a chance to come along, meet the team, ask questions and answer some of those breast screening myths. There will be no pressure, no awkward questions, just friendly faces and a chance to find out what breast screening is really all about. And if you’ve recently missed your mammogram appointment, they may even be able to help you get rebooked while you’re there.
“Breast screening saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK, so I’d encourage anyone with questions or concerns to come along and find out more.”
Anyone who has been invited for a screening appointment but is unable to attend should contact the Breast Screening Programme on 01384 244177 or 01543 576235 to rebook an appointment at a more convenient time.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of breast cancer – such as a new lump, changes to the skin of the breast, or nipple discharge – should contact their GP as soon as possible.