For immediate release
PRESS RELEASE
Over a quarter of women in Leeds are not attending their
breast screening appointment
Over a quarter of women (27.3%) in Leeds aged 50-70 who are eligible for breast screening
for cancer are not taking up their invitation.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Menston and Guiseley Practice is
asking all women aged 50-70 to attend their breast screening test – it could save their lives.
Latest research has shown that:
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The number of women attending a screening across West Yorkshire is generally
decreasing year-on-year. In Leeds, 73.8% of women were screened in 2013
compared to 72.7% in 2014.
29% of women eligible for breast screening across Yorkshire are still not taking up
their invitation
There is also a low awareness amongst women of symptoms. Approximately 30% of
all women in England diagnosed with breast cancer report a symptom other than a
lumpi. However, research shows that when asked to name symptoms of breast
cancer, only half of women over 70 (48%) could name a symptom aside from a lump.
Other symptoms include:
o a change in the size, shape or feel of a breast
o dimpling of the skin
o a change in the shape of or a rash on your nipple and
o a blood stained discharge from the nipple
The most recent annual figures (2013) show that 890 women in Yorkshire and the
Humber died of breast cancer.
Women of all ages should get to know how their breasts look and feel normally, so they will
find it easier to spot something unusual.
Dr Yasmin Khan – Associate Medical Director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said:
“We understand that any type of medical testing can be daunting, but a breast screening test
is a prime example of how a quick, painless test can save your life.
“We would like to encourage all women aged 50-70 who are eligible for the test to take up
the offer and ensure they stay healthy.”
Breast screening is a method of detecting breast cancer at a very early stage. The first step
involves an x-ray of each breast - a mammogram - which is taken while carefully
compressing the breast. Most women find it a bit uncomfortable and a few find it painful. The
mammogram can detect small changes in breast tissue which may indicate cancers which
are too small to be felt either by the woman herself or by a doctor.
Further information on breast screening can be found on the NHS Screening Programme
website http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening