Tag: breast screening

NHS Lothian: Look out for your breast screening letter

Routine screening doesn’t stop you getting breast cancer, but it’s the best way to spot cancers at an early stage when they’re easier to treat.

That’s why it’s important you attend your appointment when invited.

Find out more at http://nhsinform.scot/breastscreening

#BreastScreeningScot

Glasgow woman’s mission to tell others: ‘Never miss your breast screening appointment

A retired member of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff, Liz Thomas (71) from Pollock, has been photographed as part of an exhibition to celebrate the resilience, beauty, and strength of women affected by breast cancer.

Liz and three other women chosen for the photoshoot have recently had or are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. They were chosen to be part of Pink Ribbon Foundation’s BOLD Scotland Exhibition.

This extraordinary project, captured by award-winning photographer Caroline Sikkenk, is currently displayed in Glasgow’s Princes Square by M as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In addition to taking part in this project, Liz is also using this month to share an important message. She said: “Go for your breast screening when you’re invited.”

In November 2024, Liz attended her routine breast screening appointment at NHSGGC’s Breast Clinic in Nelson Mandela Place. Within a week, she was recalled and asked to bring someone with her.

“I wasn’t expecting good news,” Liz said. “They told me two lumps had been found. I had a biopsy and scans there and then. It turned out I had two Stage 3 tumours.”

Within four weeks, Liz underwent a mastectomy at Gartnavel Hospital, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy in early 2025.

“The treatment was tough, physically and mentally, but I met wonderful people along the way. The staff were incredible. We even managed to laugh during chemo. One time, the nurses joked they had to separate me from the other ladies because we were giggling so much. Laughter got us through.”

Liz credits her daughter Jourdana, also an NHSGGC staff member, as her rock throughout the journey. “I have a good life and a great life ahead. Who knows if I’d have that if I hadn’t gone for screening?”

Now, Liz is on a mission. She said: “I tell everyone, my daughter, my friends, even the girl who does my nails, never miss your breast screening appointment. And if you’re over 70, you won’t automatically get a letter. You need to contact the breast screening centre yourself.”

Women aged between 50 and 70 will be invited for breast screening every three years. Those eligible, will be invited by NHSGGC via letter to the address registered with their GP, and people are advised to ensure this is up to date.

Anyone over the age of 70, can make an appointment for breast screening directly via the breast screening service.

For more information visit:
Breast cancer | Get Checked Early
Breast screening in Scotland | NHS inform

Exhibition Details

The BOLD Scotland exhibition is on display at Princes Square by M. Entry is free, giving everyone the opportunity to witness this inspiring and empowering project.

Breast screening: Look out for your letter

Most women will have no sign of cancer, but breast screening can find cancers that are too small to see or feel.

That’s why it’s important you attend your appointment when invited.

For more information, visit:

http://nhsinform.scot/breastscreening

#BreastScreeningScot

‘Please don’t miss out’ – breast screening could save your life

Last year, only 26.5% of those with learning disabilities in GGC who were eligible for cervical cancer screening attended their appointment – 1

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?

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 fully 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, they should not 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

For more information visit:
Breast cancer | Get Checked Early
Breast screening in Scotland | NHS inform

More women taking part in breast screening programme

New statistics show increase in uptake of appointments in Scotland

The number of women being tested for breast cancer is at its highest ever level in Scotland.

More than three in four women (75.9%) took up their screening invitations over the three-year period 2020 to 2023, Scottish breast screening programme statistics indicate.

This is an increase on the previous three-year period (2019-22) when uptake was 74.5% and pre-pandemic (2017-20) when uptake was 72.2%.

The figures also show that all NHS boards individually have met the acceptable uptake standard of 70% for a second year in a row.

Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “I am pleased that more women are attending breast screening appointments and that boards have individually met their target for a second year in a row.

“However, there is more work to be done to reach the achievable target of 80% and to encourage people from more deprived areas to attend their appointments.

“We will continue to work with health boards to encourage more women to participate in breast screening and address any barriers they may face in doing so.”

Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 approximately every 36 months. This is in line with the recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee. Screening was paused between March and August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The programme continues to offer appointments at six breast screening centres across Scotland, as well as the mobile screening units which allow women in more remote areas to access screening more easily.

Breast cancer screening to resume next month

Patients will receive letters to reschedule appointments

The Breast Screening Programme which was paused in March because of coronavirus (COVID-19) is to resume safely and carefully from 3 August.

Anyone who was invited for a breast screening appointment before the pause, who was unable to attend for any reason or had an appointment cancelled will receive a letter in the coming weeks.

There will be no change to the screening test itself, however additional measures have been introduced to allow breast screening to take place in a safe environment. Staff will wear necessary personal protective equipment and appointments will be staggered to ensure waiting areas are quieter, allowing staff and patients to adhere to physical distancing.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Pausing the adult national screening programmes was one of a series of difficult decisions we have had to make in responding to the impact of COVID-19. I am delighted breast cancer screening is resuming and I would urge everyone to attend their appointment, as screening can find early signs of cancer.

“The continued efforts we are making to limit the spread of the virus have allowed us to restart the national breast screening programme in line with expert clinical advice and the recommendations of the Scottish Screening Committee, as part of the planned safe and incremental remobilisation of NHS Scotland.

“The safety of patients and staff will continue to be our priority as all of the national screening programmes restart and expand. I want to reassure you that we are taking these precautions so that we can safely offer the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”

Marion O’Neill, Head of External Affairs (Devolved Nations) at Cancer Research UK, said: “It is great news that breast cancer screening services in Scotland are returning. Although breast cancer screening has both benefits and harms, we know cancer screening programmes saves lives.

“There may be some changes to what happens at your appointment because of COVID-19 and your results may be delayed, so it’s more important than ever that you read the information provided. Ask at your appointment how long it might take and who to contact if you haven’t heard in that time.

“It is important to remember that screening is for healthy people with no symptoms. If you notice any unusual changes to your body that don’t go away, talk to your doctor.”

More information on the national screening programme is available on NHS Inform.