Susanna Reid, the presenter of Good Morning Britain, shared her struggles in booking a mammogram following Sarah Ferguson’s breast cancer diagnosis. Although invited to book an appointment, Susanna admitted she hadn’t done so, but was prompted to take action after hearing about the Duchess of York’s diagnosis. However, she encountered several obstacles while trying to book her appointment, including being directed to the wrong NHS call centers. Despite the challenges, Susanna encouraged other women to prioritize their health and book their mammograms.
During her attempt to schedule the mammogram, Susanna initially called the wrong number listed on the NHS website. She then called the correct number and managed to secure an appointment at a hospital. However, she discovered that the hospital was far from her location and had to call another number for a closer option. Finally, on her third call, she was informed that she couldn’t book the mammogram over the phone because she wasn’t in the same NHS area as the hospital. Instead, she would receive a letter with an appointment within two weeks, and the check-up itself would occur within six weeks.
A mammogram is a breast x-ray used to detect signs of cancer. Women between the ages of 50 and 71 are automatically invited for breast screening every three years. Those over 71 can continue to have screenings by contacting their local screening unit or GP. The prompt diagnosis of breast cancer enables more effective treatment and reduces the need for extensive surgery. Women can also be referred to a breast clinic for a mammogram if they have symptoms or changes in their breasts that require investigation.
During a mammogram, a female doctor instructs the patient to remove their upper clothing and stand in front of the mammogram machine. Each breast is placed on the x-ray machine, and images are captured. The scan only takes a few minutes, while the entire appointment lasts about half an hour. The results are sent to the patient and their GP via post.
Breast Cancer Now states that approximately 4% of women are called back to a breast clinic for further tests after routine screenings. Although most of these women won’t have breast cancer, additional examinations, such as breast examinations, further scans, or biopsies, may be necessary. Regular breast self-examinations are important because breast cancer can develop between mammograms. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, with one in seven women being diagnosed in their lifetime. Screening prevents an estimated 1,300 breast cancer deaths each year in the UK.
Despite the potential life-saving benefits, the percentage of eligible women attending breast screening services has been declining. Recent NHS data shows that only 64% of the eligible population received a check-up in 2021, compared to 77% a decade ago. Following her own breast cancer diagnosis, Sarah Ferguson took to social media to express her gratitude for the kindness and support she received. She called for everyone to get checked and viewed her diagnosis as a wake-up call to prioritize fitness. Sarah, Duchess of York, was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer after a routine mammogram, and she underwent successful surgery at a private hospital in London.
It is crucial to detect breast cancer as early as possible, as this increases the chances of successful treatment. Despite the efforts of cancer charities, over a third of women in the UK do not regularly check their breasts. To help raise awareness, here is a guide on how to perform a breast examination and the key symptoms to look for. Checking your breasts involves feeling for any abnormalities in a circular motion from top to bottom and in semi-circles around your breast tissue. The examination can be done in the shower, while lying down, or in front of a mirror. It’s important for both men and women to check their breast tissue up to their collarbone, as breast tissue can be found in that region as well.
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