Breast Cancer Awareness Month
NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October, in a bid to raise awareness about the importance of screening and early detection of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women – but when it’s found early, it’s much easier to treat and survival rates are significantly higher. That’s why screening is so important.
Why screening matters
- Breast screening can detect cancers before they can be felt.
- Early detection could mean simpler treatment and better outcomes.
- Attending your screening appointment is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your health.
Who is invited for screening?
Women aged 50 to 70 are routinely invited every 3 years. If you’re over 70, you can still request screening by contacting your local breast screening unit.
What to expect
- Screening is quick and usually takes about 20 minutes.
- A mammogram (special X-ray) is used to look for early changes.
- It might be a little uncomfortable, but it isn’t painful.
Your role is vital
Every screening appointment attended can help towards finding cancer earlier, save lives, and support families and communities. Please encourage your friends, mothers, sisters, partners, and colleagues to attend too – sometimes a gentle reminder is all it takes.
Dr Sunil Hindocha, GP and Medical Director, NHS Lincolnshire ICB, said:
“In many cases, breast cancer is detected by women noticing unusual changes in their breast and taking the initiative to visit their GP.
“These changes can include unusual lumps, breast pain, changes in texture of the skin or unusual discharge. We recommend that all women should check themselves regularly and be aware of how their breasts look and feel normally so that anything unusual is more easily spotted and can be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.”
This October, make the call, attend your appointment, and share the message: early detection saves lives.
- If you’ve received an invitation, please attend your appointment.
- If you think you’re due a screening and haven’t been contacted, reach out to your GP or local screening unit.
Together, we can make a difference.