NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging women to prioritise their health as new figures reveal that 1 in 4 eligible women are missing vital breast screening appointments.
Latest statistics show that 75.4% of women in GGC attend their scheduled screening, a figure that meets the national minimum standard but still leaves over 38,000 women at risk of breast cancer going undetected.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, NHSGGC is reminding women to stay breast aware all year round and to attend their screening when invited.
Women aged 50 to 70 are invited for breast screening every three years, with invitations sent via letter, email or post, depending on their communication preferences. Women over 70 can self-refer by contacting the breast screening service directly.
Heather Jarvie, NHSGGC Public Health Programme Manager, said:
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder for women to take care of their health. We urge everyone to carry the campaign’s message throughout the year and check their breasts regularly.
“Breast screening helps detect cancers that are too small to see or feel. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Women are five times more likely to survive when breast cancer is found early.”
To help ease concerns around screening, NHSGGC has gathered anonymous feedback from women who attended appointments at the West of Scotland Breast Clinic, shared via independent platform Care Opinion:
“This was my first time getting a mammogram through the breast screening programme. I was extremely nervous about it, but the staff could not have been nicer. They explained the process, were very professional and made the whole experience much easier than I expected,” said patient A.
“This was the first time I had attended for a routine breast screening appointment and was very impressed with the level of care provided from start to finish. When I came into the reception area, a lovely friendly lady welcomed me right away and after checking me in gave me clear instructions of where to sit to wait for the mammographer
“There’s a lovely atmosphere in the building (Nelson Mandela Place) and it almost doesn’t feel like a clinical setting.
“I only sat for a few minutes before I was called to my screening by Jill the mammographer. Jill is an absolute credit to her profession – she explained everything so clearly and had such a lovely warm, caring manner. Before I knew it, the appointment was over so many thanks for a very positive first-time experience,” said patient B.
“I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer as part of routine screening and referred to the breast care service for care and treatment.
“The care, compassion throughout my journey has been exemplary.
“As a recently retired Nurse, I could not be prouder of the staff I met, from Registered Nurses, Health Care Support workers, Consultant Breast Physicians, Radiographers, Radiologists, Surgeons (in particular Miss Reid), Anesthetists, Breast Nurse Specialist Kirsty, the pre op and recovery day surgery team, Nuclear Medicine Practitioner, ward 4a porter and not forgetting Student Nurse, Sam in ward 4a who was absolutely lovely, so caring and professional and will be an asset to GGC nursing team.
“Thank you to all of you. Your care has made my experience so positive, and for which I am eternally grateful,” said Patient C.
“I have had two appointments for lumps that have been found in my breasts. One appointment was at Gartnavel last year and I attended Stobhill this year. The staff at both clinics were truly amazing, they could not have been any kinder, gentle, or helpful. Thankfully everything came back ok, but I left feeling so reassured, listened to and thoroughly examined. The staff are all angels who do such an amazing job. The clinics were clean, on time and ran smoothly,” said patient D.
Know the signs. Don’t wait for your screening
Women are reminded to contact their GP immediately if they notice any unusual changes in their breasts, even if they’ve recently had a mammogram.
Signs and symptoms to look out for include:
- A lump or swelling in your breast, chest, or armpit
- Changes in the skin of your breast (dimpling, redness)
- A change in size or shape of one or both breasts
- Nipple discharge (not related to pregnancy or breastfeeding)
- A change in the appearance of your nipple (inversion, rash)
- Persistent pain in your breast or armpit
