Breast Cancer Screening Is Important to Me ; Ask Debs Financial and Personal Advice for the Over 50s with Deborah Boyce, Engagement Manager for the Older People's Charity Age Cymru
South Wales Echo › June 02, 2010
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Summary
Q Can you tell me about breast cancer screening? I've read that it is very important to have this and I want to have the peace of mind of knowing I am doing everything I should to look after my health. I am 51 and haven't had an appointment to go for a mammogram yet. Debs says: Breast screening (a mammogram) is an X-ray examination of the breasts. It may help to detect breast cancer before there are any signs or symptoms. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed the more effective treatment may be. In the UK, women between 50 and 70 (64 in Northern Ireland) are automatically invited for breast screening every three years as part of the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme. Attending your appointment is extremely important because 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and the risk continues to increase with age.
To be invited for screening you have to be registered with a GP. Your name will be taken from your GP's list and you will be sent an appointment from the screening service to go for a mammogram. This may not happen the year you turn 50 but it will happen by the time you are 53. If you're over 70 you won't be sent an automatic appointment for screening. However, you are still entitled to breast screening every three years, but remember - and this is very important - you have to ask for this screening. You can contact your local breast screening unit by calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or ask your GP or practice nurse to arrange an appointment for you. I would also suggest that if you are worried about breast cancer and need someone to talk to you can call the Breast Cancer Careline on 0808 800 6000 for information, advice and support. Can we hire a wheelchair? Q My elderly aunt will be coming to stay with us for a holiday in June.See the full content of this document
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Breast Cancer Screening Is Important to Me ; Ask Debs Financial and Personal Advice for the Over 50s with Deborah Boyce, Engagement Manager for the Older People's Charity Age Cymru
We are all looking forward to her visit as my aunt hasn't stayed with us for...
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