Dear Patient,
Breast screening – it could save your life
We have been informed that you did not attend your mammogram for breast screening.
I know that some women may be embarrassed or worried that the procedure might be uncomfortable. Your mammogram will be administered by a female practitioner, who will be highly trained to reduce discomfort and to ensure complete privacy. I also understand that for some women fitting in a screening appointment to a busy schedule might not be easy. Breast screening is available in a number of mobile units, and the screening team will be happy to discuss any difficulties you might have in attending for screening.
N.B. if you have already attended breast screening, you may safely ignore this letter. You will continue to receive invites from the screening programme at 3-yearly intervals for as long as you remain eligible.
It is your choice whether or not to have breast screening. There are benefits and risks involved:
- Lives are saved because cancers are diagnosed and treated earlier than they would have been without screening.
- However, some women will be diagnosed and treated for breast cancer that would never otherwise have been found and would not have become life-threatening. This is the main risk of screening.
Your local breast screening unit is based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, and can be contacted at 0191 445 2544. You can also access further information about breast screening via the website: http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/breastscreen/
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer by as much as a third. By maintaining a healthy weight and limiting saturated fat and alcohol, you will also help protect yourself from cancer.
Breast cancer can occur between screens, so it is very important to be aware of any changes in the appearance of your breasts, any lumps in your breasts or armpit, or any pain in your breasts or armpits which is not related to your period. If you do notice any of these changes, please make an appointment to see your GP as soon as you can.
More information is available from your GP surgery or fr
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Breastcancer/Pages/Breastcancersymptoms.aspx
Yours sincerely
Dr Rahman, Dr Staples & Dr Khoury
Ellison View Surgery
