New mobile breast screening unit on the road across Berkshire
A brand-new mobile breast screening unit is now on the road across Berkshire bringing vital breast screening services ‘closer to home’ for local communities, making it easy and convenient for people to attend their routine appointments. Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to detect cancer early and saves around 1,300 lives nationally each year.
The new unit called ‘Ruby’ has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Royal Berks Charity. Designed with comfort, privacy and patient experience in mind, it includes a welcoming and comfortable waiting area, along with two large, modern changing rooms which lead directly into the screening area.
Currently located Henley-on-Thames, routine breast screening plays a crucial role in spotting breast cancers early – often before there are any visible signs or symptoms, and before a lump can be felt, significantly improving the outlook for people with cancer found at this stage.
People aged between 50 and 71 are automatically invited for breast screening every three years as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme. The first invitation is sent between the 50th and 53rd birthday. And while screening is optional, it forms a key pillar of the national screening programmes taking place across the country to support a focus on preventative health.
Clare Morris, Lead Mammographer said, “We’re delighted with our new unit Ruby and are grateful to the Royal Berks Charity for their support. Coming along for screening is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you do receive an invite, please book your appointment and attend. We’re here to support you, and you’ll be in and out in just a few minutes, knowing you are being proactive in managing your own health to spot any issues early.”
The West Berkshire Breast Screening Service is delivered by a dedicated team of 12 highly trained professionals, with two mobile screening units operating across the local area at any one time. Over the course of three years, the service sends out around 80,000 invitations, ensuring many thousands of people have the opportunity to conveniently access a screening on a regular basis.