Skip to main content

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, we come together worldwide to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and show our support for everyone affected by breast cancer.

Remember, breast screening can save lives! It allows us to detect and treat cancers early, often before you notice any changes yourself. That’s why all women aged 50 to 71 are invited for free NHS breast screenings.

Even though screening can be life-saving, less than half of women attend their very first screening appointment when invited. We understand that visiting the clinic might make you feel a bit nervous, but rest assured, your mammographer will do everything possible to make you feel comfortable and at ease.

If you’ve received an invitation but missed your appointment or didn’t schedule one, don’t worry — you can still contact your local NHS breast screening service to book a new one, no matter how long ago you were invited.

Screening services are now more accessible than ever. Apart from hospitals, mobile screening units are available at convenient community locations like supermarket car parks, making it easier to fit into your busy schedule.

Everyone should become ‘breast aware.’ Take some time to get to know how your breasts normally look and feel so you can notice any changes that might be a sign of breast cancer. If anything worries you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP practice.

Remember to keep checking your breasts regularly, even after a mammogram. Use the simple ‘TLC’ method from Breast Cancer Now to help guide you:

  • Touch your breasts. Do you feel anything new or unusual?
  • Look for changes. Does anything look different?
  • Check any new or unusual signs with your GP.

Taking these small steps can make a big difference.

For more information and support, please see the below links: