Breast Test Wales returns to Maesteg

FREE NHS BREAST SCREENING RETURNS TO…Maesteg

MORE than 3,000 women will be offered a free, potentially life-saving screening test, when Breast Test Wales returns to Maesteg.

The NHS service will be bringing it’s mobile screening unit to the area in February.

Sited at Llynfi Rd Car Park, the unit will offer free, high-quality breast screening by invitation only, to women aged 50 and above who are registered with local GP surgeries.

All women aged between 50 and 70 should automatically receive a postal invitation over the next few months if they are registered with the following GP surgeries: Bron Y Garn Surgery, Llynfi Surgery, Nantyffyllon Surgery, Woodlands Surgery.

Women aged over 70 will not receive an automatic invitation, but can be screened on request by telephoning Breast Test Wales on 029 2039 7222 to make an appointment.

Dafydd Snelling a Screening Engagement Specialist with Breast Test Wales explained: “One in eight women in the UK have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, so early detection is vital.

“Screening using breast x-rays, known as mammograms, can detect changes in the breast at an early stage, before symptoms can be seen or felt. And if we find breast cancer at an early stage, then the treatment has the best chance of being successful.”

He added: “Women aged 50 and above are targeted for screening because the disease is more common in older women, and the risk increases with age.

“I would encourage every woman who receives an invitation to attend. Breast screening has been shown to reduce the risk of dying from the disease by around 35%.It takes just a few minutes, but could – quite literally – save your life.”

Women under 50 are not offered routine screening but should be ‘Breast Aware’ and see their doctor without delay if they are concerned about any changes.

• For further information about breast screening, visit the Breast Test Wales website at: www.screeningservices.org.uk/btw

For further information contact: Dafydd Snelling, Screening Engagement Specialist, 18 Cathedral Road, Cardiff. CF11 9LJ. Telephone: 029 2078 982