A new breast screening video has been launched to help save lives in Lambeth, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham and Southwark. It features patients and staff from King’s College Hospital. The launch coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Early detection of cancer
The video features a variety of patients from south-east London – some from groups with traditionally low take-up of screening invitations – talking about their experiences of having a mammogram, highlighting the importance of breast screening to enable the early detection and treatment of cancer. King’s provides breast screening for people in six London boroughs.
Lindsay, who features in the video, has been both a radiographer and a patient at King’s, having been diagnosed and successfully treated: I’m a mammographer, I’ve worked at King’s for many years, I’m also breast cancer survivor. If I hadn’t had all my treatment, I don’t think I’d be talking to you today. It makes me feel very lucky to be alive. I can’t get this message over more strongly, please, please come to breast screening, don’t be afraid.”
Screening saves lives
Dr Juliet Morel, Consultant Radiologist and Director of Screening at King’s, said: “Breast screening can detect early changes to the breast tissue, often long before physical changes appear. If you’re eligible, breast screening should be top of your to-do list.”
“Nearly half of all women invited to breast screening in London do not take up the offer, and those who miss their first screening are more likely to miss subsequent ones. This means that thousands of women are at risk of missing that window where we can treat breast cancer early, and give the best chance of cure.
“Roughly 1 in 100 women who attend screening are diagnosed with breast cancer, and we know that early detection is key. Between 90 and 95% of women diagnosed at an early stage will survive for at least five years.”
Although screening uptake in south-east London is better than some parts of the capital, it is still lower than the NHS target of 70%, and is notably lower among some groups, such as Black African and south Asian women.
About breast cancer screening
Breast screening uses an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel. Women aged from 50 to 71 are invited for breast cancer screening every three years. Find out more.
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcnB6WKVt8Y
Why is this important in Lambeth?
We’re working to increase the uptake of the national cancer screening programmes, while also focusing on reducing inequalities in cancer. Find out more in our five-year Health and Care Plan.
