Breast Screening

the simple answer is breast screening saves lives
Breast screening is a method of detecting breast cancer at a very early stage which can mean simpler and more effective treatment.
The first step involves an x-ray of each breast - a mammogram - which is taken while carefully compressing the breast between two plastic plates.
Most women find it a bit uncomfortable and a few find it painful. The mammogram can detect small changes in breast tissue which are too small to be felt either by the woman herself or by a doctor.
The latest research shows that the NHS Breast Screening Programme is now saving 1,400 lives every year in England and is an effective part of the UK's efforts to reduce the death toll from breast cancer.

In the 1970s around 5 out of 10 breast cancer patients survived beyond 5 years. Now it's 8 out of 10

1 in 9 women will develop breast cancer at some time in their life

80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50

The NHS Breast Screening Programme provides free breast screening every 3 years for all women in the UK aged 50 and over. Around 1.5 million women are screened in the UK each year. Women aged between 50 and 70 are now routinely invited. Women over the age of 70 can request further screening appointments by contacting the service themselves.
The Gloucestershire Breast Screening Service has invited 379,679 women for screening and detected around 2,132 cancers. (figures correct Aug 09)

State-of-the-art mobile equipment costing £325,000 to aid the diagnosis of breast cancer has been donated to Cheltenham General Hospital by Cobalt thanks to local people and their continued support.
The Unit has a newly developed digital imaging system giving instant superb quality pictures which will help speed up the service and cut waiting times, it will be used both by the County's NHS Screening and Symptomatic Services.
Consultant Radiologist Prof Iain Lyburn said: "The Gloucestershire Breast Screening Service will be one of the first in the country to be able to offer mobile digital mammography. We are very grateful to Cobalt for providing us with the latest technology which will allow us to provide a quicker, more efficient service for our patients."

The new clinic is a joint venture between Cobalt and the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundations Trust.
It aims to be a centre of excellence for breast screening, diagnosis and care of breast cancer patients - bringing these services together under one roof at Thirlestaine Court, Cheltenham. Treatment for breast cancer has seen great improvements in recent years, with more patients living longer. Much of this success is due to earlier diagnosis and improved screening
We want to give patients the best possible chance of surviving breast cancer. That's why we're joining forces with the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundations Trust to open the Cobalt Breast Clinic.