In some parts of Bradford women are missing their breast screening appointments which could potentially put their lives at risk, according to Pennine Breast Screening Unit. 

Over half the women invited to daily screening unit sessions at the Thornbury Centre since February 21 have not been attending their appointments.

 “Women who come for screening are grateful that we can offer this vital health check locally” said Lynn Clark, Health Promotion Specialist. “But some women are missing out on breast screening and putting their health at risk.

”We’d like to encourage these women to come along for their appointments as the unit is going to be based at the Thornbury Centre on a daily basis until June.

“We’d also like to stress that if a woman can’t make the allotted time, they can always telephone to rearrange the appointment – attending this session may save your life.”

A free NHS Breast Screening appointment is offered to all women aged 50 to 70 every three years as the risk of breast cancer increases with age, 80% of breast cancers occur in women over 50 years of age.

The majority of women who come for breast screening are given the all clear within two weeks.

“If cancer is found early enough the outcome for a woman can be much better and screening can detect changes up to two years before symptoms appear.”  said Shaheeda Shaikh, one of the Unit’s specially- trained radiographers whose job it is to x-ray women on the mobile unit.

Lynn and Shaheeda have been working with local women’s groups and organisations in the area to try and raise awareness about this important health check and encourage women to attend. 

“We want to reassure women about breast screening”, said Shaheeda. “Most women find the procedure doesn’t hurt and it doesn’t take long.  

Only women are allowed on the mobile unit and all our staff make them feel welcome.”
Breast screening saves an estimated 1,400 lives a year and the team at Pennine Breast Screening want to urge all women to attend their appointment when invited.

“If the time, date or location is inconvenient this can all be changed,” said Lynn. “Women who have missed their appointment should also contact us and we will fit them in at another time which is convenient to them.”

Anyone seeking further information or to discuss an appointment, should contact the Pennine Breast Screening Unit on 01274 365521/22/23.