The Conservative government's recent announcement of a £10 million investment into NHS breast cancer screening units marks a significant step in the fight against cancer. This investment aligns with the government’s commitment to improving women's health and healthcare equality, as outlined in the Women’s Health Strategy.
The funding is designated for the development of 29 new NHS breast cancer screening units, along with nearly 70 life-saving service upgrades in areas where they are most needed. Among these, the Royal Berkshire Hospital is set to receive crucial upgrades, enhancing its capability to provide state-of-the-art screening services.
This investment encompasses 16 new mobile breast screening units and 13 additional static units across England. Furthermore, it includes 58 live remote access upgrades and 10 software upgrades to existing units, ensuring the use of the latest technology in ultrasounds and X-rays for better cancer detection.
The Royal Berkshire Hospital, a cornerstone in providing healthcare services in the region, will benefit significantly from these upgrades. These improvements will enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cancer detection, ensuring faster and more reliable diagnoses for patients.
Minister of State for Health, Helen Whately, emphasised the importance of early cancer detection, stating, “Catching cancer early saves lives. Last year 100,000 people were diagnosed with cancer at stages one and two. This is the highest proportion on record, but we want to do better still. These breast cancer screening units will mean more people can get checked for cancer, closer to home.”
The government’s investment is also set to improve accessibility. The mobile units will be strategically deployed to areas with low screening rates, while static units will be installed in locations to enhance coverage and ease of access. This approach is particularly significant for the Royal Berkshire Hospital, ensuring that screening services are readily available to the local community.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme offers all women in England between the ages of 50 and their 71st birthday the opportunity to be screened every three years for breast cancer; it is important that you consider attending your breast screening appointment when invited as screening can help to find breast cancers early when they are too small to see or feel. Screening could prevent you dying from breast cancer as these tiny breast cancers are usually easier to treat than larger ones. If you are aged 71 or over, we do not automatically invite you for breast screening. However, you do have the right to free screening every 3 years if you ask. All you need to do is phone or write to your local breast screening unit to make an appointment. Visit NHS.UK to look up details of your local unit. Find Breast screening services services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
