Castleford events raise the bra for breast screening awareness
Health experts are raising awareness amongst women in Castleford about the importance of breast screening at a number of special events in the town.
Staff from South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Wakefield Council, and Leeds Wakefield Breast Screening Service will be at Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre on Thursday 11 and Thursday 18 December, promoting the importance of women aged 47 – 73 attending their routine breast screening.
Breast screening, also known as a mammogram, is a simple procedure where each breast is x-rayed by a female member of staff. Screening saves lives by finding breast cancers at an early stage when they are too small to see or feel. By finding cancers early, screening saves over 1,300 lives a year.
At the events, which will take place from 10am – 3pm in the vacant shop between Peacocks and Holland & Barrett, staff will also be collecting unwanted bras to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign, a breast cancer charity.
Advice on how to be ‘breast aware’ so you are able to notice any unusual changes will also be on offer at the events.
Women aged 47 – 73 registered with a Castleford GP are currently (until May 2015) being invited to attend an appointment for breast screening. Women aged over 73 are not automatically invited for breast screening, but can contact the breast screening service on 0113 2063818 to arrange an appointment.
Ellen Dempsey, health and wellbeing development worker at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “According to Breast Cancer Campaign, 12,000 women die from breast cancer every year. Breast screening detects changes in the breast that are too small to even feel, and finding breast cancer as early as possible greatly increases your chances of successful treatment. It’s so important that people go along and have the simple examination carried out as it really does save lives.”
The Trust’s health and wellbeing development workers promote health and wellbeing in older adults and adults with a physical and/or sensory impairment. The team supports members of the community to maintain their independence and to live healthier lifestyles through health promotion, education, and a range of activities.