Western Isles women take up breast check invite

THE director of public health for NHS Western Isles wants to thank all women who participated in the breast screening throughout the area from February to July this year.

Dr Maggie Watts said early indications were that more than four in five eligible women accepted an invitation and attended for screening during the visit of the service in the first half of 2017.

‘We will know the final figures for each island later, but it seems that women across the Western Isles from the Butt to Barra recognised the importance of getting checked,’ said Dr Watts.

If you weren’t able to make it to your appointment, you are still able to be screened at the North of Scotland Screening Centre in Inverness. If you wish to take up this offer please call 01463 705416 to arrange a suitable date.

Dr Watts also thanked the North of Scotland breast screening mobile unit and those who supported the work they did in each of the locations throughout the Western Isles to ensure its smooth running.

The mobile breast screening service comes to the Western Isles every three years to screen women between the ages of 50 and 70, and over 70 if requested, so its next visit is due in 2020.

And NHS Western Isles would like to remind everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and a good opportunity to make sure we are ‘breast aware’. If you notice any changes at all in your breasts, please make an appointment with your GP.