October kickstarts Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a good opportunity to remind women of the importance of attending their breast screening appointment.
“One in eight women in Scotland will be diagnosed with breast cancer. But when it’s found early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher. In fact, women are five times more likely to survive. Breast screening alone saves around 130 lives every year in Scotland,” said Heather Jarvie, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) Public Health Programme Manager.
“Breast screening helps us detect cancers that are too small to see or feel. That’s why we encourage every woman who receives an invitation to attend. It could be lifesaving.”
Who is eligible for breast screening?
Women aged between 50 and 70 will be invited for breast screening every three years. Those eligible, will be invited by NHSGGC via letter, email or post, depending on what they selected as their communication preference with their GP.
Anyone over the age of 70, can make an appointment for breast screening directly via the breast screening service.
Breast screening is also offered to non-binary people whose birth certificate originally said female, who haven’t had breast removal surgery, trans women who are taking hormones, and trans men who haven’t had breast removal surgery.
Don’t miss out
NHSGGC is also taking this opportunity to encourage women who may have missed their appointment, or who cannot make their appointment, to please contact their local breast screening service to rearrange another suitable date. Heather explained:
“We understand that life happens and at times appointments may be missed or dates and times simply don’t work due to conflicting events. Please don’t miss out because of this. Anyone who has missed their breast screening appointment should get in touch.”
West of Scotland Breast Screening Service contact number: 0141 800 8800.
Heather also provided reassurance to anyone who may have nerves about attending. She said:
“We also understand that for some attending a screening can feel daunting, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team is friendly, professional, and ready to make your experience as easy and reassuring as possible. We suggest that women watch the ‘what to expect’ video ahead of time to set their mind at ease.”
What happens at a screening appointment?
Please note the video is available in BSL and other languages below.
• BSL https://youtu.be/xHG5wO1osPo
• Arabic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpfKUSwHtiI
• Dari https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB3ns6PKfOY&t=21s
• Pashto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS7hZ4EvjJ8&t=21s
• Polish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MVcbRV6Crg&t=1s
• Mandarin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgxbAY1spCw&t=1s
• Ukrainian https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeMqAh97Nzs&t=1s
Eligible women living in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, will either be invited to the NHSGGC breast screening centre in Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow City Centre or to one of NHSGGC’s breast screening mobile units that visit localities throughout the year.
This mobile unit, often called the screening bus, is a welcoming, private, and accessible space, designed to make visits as comfortable and supportive as possible.
Each appointment involves a mammogram, four quick X-rays, two of each breast, carried out by a specially trained female mammographer. The process only takes a few minutes, and there’s time beforehand to ask questions or share any concerns.
If you have or care for someone with additional support needs
Heather also explained the reasonable adjustments that can be made to appointments.
“We have options available for people who have additional support needs. They or their carers can call our breast clinics and request extra support, whether that’s a longer appointment or bringing someone with them. We have easy read booklets too for people with learning disabilities to look through ahead of time so as they can understand what to expect. Please remember to contact the breast screening service before your appointment to discuss any support needs you may have”
What all women should do at home
Women are also urged that if they notice any unusual changes in their breasts, not to wait for their screening. They should speak to their GP right away, 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
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