Free BreastCheck mammogram offered to over 5,000 women in Offaly

22 October 2013

BreastCheck – The National Breast Screening Programme is inviting over 5,000 women aged 50 to 64 living in Offaly for a free BreastCheck mammogram (x-ray) during the coming months in the BreastCheck mobile digital screening unit located in the grounds of the Health Centre, Arden Road, Tullamore, Co Offaly.

If the appointment time or date doesn’t suit, contact BreastCheck as every effort will be made to arrange a more suitable appointment at: (01) 8826200.

A BreastCheck appointment only takes half an hour, the mammogram takes a few minutes. In a mammogram a special x-ray machine is used to take a picture of the breasts. The vast majority of women screened are found to be perfectly healthy, with less than one per cent diagnosed with breast cancer.

Many women in Offaly have previously had a BreastCheck mammogram and the vast majority of women screened are found to be perfectly healthy.

The aim of screening is to detect early breast cancer, when it is easier to treat and there is a higher chance of a good recovery. A small number of cancers cannot be found by a mammogram, but if you go for regular screening, any changes will be found as early as possible.

BreastCheck advises all women aged 50 to 64 living in Offaly to make sure their name is on the BreastCheck register by calling Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or checking online at www.breastcheck.ie.

Once on the register and known to the programme, a woman will automatically receive her invitation for a mammogram when BreastCheck is screening in her area.

BreastCheck encourages all women, regardless of age or participation in screening to remain breast aware at all times and to contact their GP without delay if they have any concerns regarding breast cancer.

Be breast aware

No matter what age you are, it is important to always be breast aware.

• Know what is normal for your body
• Know what changes you should look for

What changes should I look and feel for?

• Any lumps or unusual thickening in your breast
• Dimpling, puckering or redness of the skin
• A nipple that appears to be pulled-in or flattened
• A rash or flaky or crusted skin around the nipple
• A change in the size or shape of your breast
• Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
• Constant pain in one part of your breast or armpit

-Ends-

Further Information:

Aoife O’Sullivan, Communications, National Cancer Screening Service

Tel: 01 8659300