Breast screening checks for women over 50 19/1/14
All island women aged between 50 and 70 have the chance to get their breasts checked for signs of cancer when the screening unit visits the Western Isles for the next few months.
All eligible ladies will receive an invitation letter from the Breast Screening Team which are not scheduled to visit the islands again for another three years.
Women aged over 71 years can also get checked and should phone the Breast Screening Centre in Inverness on 01463 705416.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is vital to detecting cancer early and can save lives.
Women are five times more likely to survive breast cancer if it’s diagnosed and treated at the earliest stage.
Alongside self-checking, breast screening plays a vital role in detecting cancer at an early stage before symptoms become noticeable; and is particularly important as breast cancer is more common in women aged over 50.
Breast screening involves taking an x-ray (mammogram) of the breast. Two views of each breast will be taken to ensure all parts of the breast tissue can be examined.
Mammograms will be assessed by specialist clinical staff and results sent by post three weeks later.
Most women will be invited again in three years time as part of the routine screening process.
The mobile unit will be in Stornoway (Western Isles Hospital car park) from January 27 until April 25, in Harris from April 28 until May 9 and in Barra from May 12 until May 16 (all dates may vary slightly). The dates for the visit to Benbecula are to be confirmed shortly.
NHS Western Isles Breast and Lymphoedema Nurse, Hazel Hebditch, explained: “All women aged between 50 and 70 receive a letter so please do not be concerned when an invitation arrives inviting you for a breast screening appointment. If you are eligible and have not been contacted, you should contact the Breast Screening Centre in Inverness on 01463 705416.
“Most ladies should have had an appointment by their 53rd birthday. All appointments will be carried out on the mobile breast screening unit.
“Any patients not able to attend during the visit to the Western Isles are asked to contact the screening centre in Inverness to let them know you will be unable to attend.
“You will be able to have breast screening carried out in the centre in Inverness and are encouraged to contact the centre in Inverness to arrange for a suitable time and date.”
She continued: “The mammogram stage of the breast screening process is carried out by female staff only (mammographers). The mammographer will ask you a few questions and will explain what will happen next. You can ask your mammographer questions at any time.
“You will be asked to undress from the waist up, it may therefore be more comfortable to wear a skirt or trousers.
“Privacy is respected at all times and you can cover up with your own top when you aren't having the mammogram itself. You are welcome to bring someone along with you if you would find it helpful but please note that men are not allowed to enter the mobile unit.”