Women urged to get checked when mammogram unit arrives

Women in Kirkcaldy aged between 50 and 70 are being urged to attend breast cancer screening when the NHS mobile mammogram unit arrives in town.

Those eligible for a cancer check, and who are registered with a GP, will receive a letter between now and March inviting them to an appointment.

Mary Tait from the South East Scotland Breast Screening Centre said: “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Scottish women, but it is the most treatable if caught early.

“Some women may feel anxious and nervous about screening, especially if it’s their first appointment, but all our mammographers are female and go above and beyond to make women feel comfortable on the day.

“If you decide to come along to your next appointment, I can reassure you that you won’t be alone. Most women invited for screening choose to go as it could save their life. Know the facts and don’t get scared, get screened.”

Women are five times more likely to survive if breast cancer is caught early. Screening saves around 130 lives in Scotland every year.

The mammogram itself takes around 10 minutes and can help pick up tiny cancers that cannot be seen or felt, often when they are less advanced.

One in nine women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and the combination of breast screening and regular checking gives women the best chance of being diagnosed early and surviving the disease.

Women over 70 are still welcome to go for screening every three years, although will not be automatically invited.

For more information visitgetcheckedearly.org.