BREAST SCREENING BACKLOG CLEARED

A BACKLOG of nearly a half- a- million NHS breast cancer screening appointments has been almost cleared in just three months.

In June, 468,000 people were hit by delays caused by Covid- 19 but by last month the figure had fallen to 52,000.

Health minister Jo Churchill said it was a sign the service was fully operational again.

She told the Commons: “Women at greatest risk of breast cancer continue to be prioritised for screening. All services have now been restarted and, in this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the message is clear.

“When you get a screening invite, please attend, and if you are worried about anything, contact your GP.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier it is important to “bear down” on the long waiting times for cancer patients to see a specialist.